4th West York

[Roy]

Hi Gents,

Well here is another new addition from the small group that came in this week.

This one is 4th West York (Ripley 294) by Firmin & Sons 153 Strand London. Size just under 22mm

If I'm learning my details correct, I believe the size and lack of rim is indicative of a coatee button? Any thoughts on date?

Cheers, Roy.

[davidwyke]

Hi Roy

Definitely my area of interest!

4th West York Militia Officers coatee button, they were only worn from c. 1853 - 1855/1856.

Just as well that I already have one or I would have been on the next flight over!

David

[Roy]

Hi David,

Wonderful..! Thank you for that.

I would presume that it would be a pretty rare day when I found something you didn't have...!

I just took a look and in the group that just came in I have 'two' more Yorkshire related button - a 6th West York and an East York, so more to share in due course.

Cheers, Roy.

[davidwyke]

Originally Posted by Roy

Hi David,

Wonderful..! Thank you for that.

I would presume that it would be a pretty rare day when I found something you didn't have...!

I just took a look and in the group that just came in I have 'two' more Yorkshire related button - a 6th West York and an East York, so more to share in due course.

Cheers, Roy.

I also have those two so it's safe to post them.

6th West York is one of my favourites!

David

[Cribyn]

Hello Roy

Just out of interest, are you getting these excellent buttons from the USA or are they coming from the UK?

Roger

[Roy]

Hi Roger,

Mostly from the UK but a few I have gotten from Canada.

Any reason?

[davidwyke]

Originally Posted by Roy

Hi Roger,

Mostly from the UK but a few I have gotten from Canada.

Any reason?

Yes, he is trying to identify and then take over your source!!

David

[Cribyn]

Originally Posted by davidwyke

Yes, he is trying to identify and then take over your source!!

David

Quite right, David! Now be honest, didn't you want to know as well?

Seriously though Roy, I was just wondering whether you had a single contact somewhere because all the ones you have posted have been in such cracking condition. I keep my eyes open on ebay and elsewhere for such gems but quite often their condition leaves something to be desired.

Many, many years ago I bought some Victorian Indian Army buttons from a retired officer who had kept them all well protected for years. As a result they were all in pristine condition and I have seldom seen the like since. Your Militia buttons seem to fall into the same category and I just wondered if they all came from the same sort of source - a collector who had treasured them for years.

Really though I just wanted to get at them first!

Roger

[Roy]

....

This last small group of buttons (seven in total) came from a friend of a friend in the UK.

Two shown so five more to go...

[Roy]

Originally Posted by Cribyn

Quite right, David! Now be honest, didn't you want to know as well?

Seriously though Roy, I was just wondering whether you had a single contact somewhere because all the ones you have posted have been in such cracking condition. I keep my eyes open on ebay and elsewhere for such gems but quite often their condition leaves something to be desired.

Many, many years ago I bought some Victorian Indian Army buttons from a retired officer who had kept them all well protected for years. As a result they were all in pristine condition and I have seldom seen the like since. Your Militia buttons seem to fall into the same category and I just wondered if they all came from the same sort of source - a collector who had treasured them for years.

Really though I just wanted to get at them first!

Roger

Hi Roger,

I think just beginners luck on my part, no secret, just enjoy the search and some very good fortune with some good connections. I'm quite lucky in many ways as due to my work connections (see my website) I have great contacts the world over.

Cheers, Roy.

[davidwyke]

Originally Posted by Cribyn

Quite right, David! Now be honest, didn't you want to know as well

Roger

Of course, but I was too shy to ask!

Roger has a point though - the silver plating on buttons such as Militia & Rifle Vols doesn't seem to wear well.

David

[Cribyn]

Originally Posted by davidwyke

Of course, but I was too shy to ask!

Roger has a point though - the silver plating on buttons such as Militia & Rifle Vols doesn't seem to wear well.

David

I have also seen more than a few blackened brass Rifle Volunteer buttons that have been polished back to their base brass and ruined - perhaps it was Rob as he admitted in another thread to polishing his buttons when he was 12!

Roger

[Roy]

Hi David,

Just for you I pulled out the 6th West York and I can't disagree as it is a hansom button for sure. And if I'm not mistaken this example is in lovely condition too. The makers mark is also very clean and clear.

Some photos for your enjoyment and comments?

Cheers, Roy.

[davidwyke]

Hi Roy

Yes, a beauty isn't it? Probably my favourite Yorkshire Militia button.

Yours is Officers tunic, that pattern worn 1855/1856 - 1881. Your button made 1855/1856 - c. mid 1870's.

If you want to pin down exactly where it's from, the HQ was Halifax. HQ for the 4th you posted earlier was Leeds.

David

[davidwyke]

Originally Posted by Cribyn

I have also seen more than a few blackened brass Rifle Volunteer buttons that have been polished back to their base brass and ruined - perhaps it was Rob as he admitted in another thread to polishing his buttons when he was 12!

Roger

I thought it was you who polished them with brasso, or the backs anyway

As regards the RV buttons polished back to base metal - there are loads around and I suspect it may have been done intentionally. Perhaps some units decided they wanted "gold" colour buttons rather than black.

David