Firmin Backmark Question

[Roy]

Hi Gents,

I have two near identical buttons to the 4th West York Militia, both by Firmin.

My question is: one has a backmark that includes 'London' and one does not. Is there anything I can determine from this? i.e. will it help date each button or am I just clutching at straws?

Cheers,

Roy

[btns]

I assume both have been made from the same front die.

The back plates were made separately and most likely held on the factory floor in a box or even a barrel. The man who was told to make a batch for barrel 4 took another die. That's all.

The buttons may have been made on the same order or a different one.

[Cribyn]

Hello Roy

I have recorded both these backmarks previously. As the 'street' address is exactly the same, I agree with btns - no particular significance in the absence of 'London' and nothing to suggest different dates for the buttons.

Roger

[Roy]

Hi Gents,

Thanks for that. I suspected as much but thought it worth running it by those with more experience than I, just in cast. At the very least, it's a good excuse to have both examples. Picts attached of the front of both for interest.

Cheers,

Roy

[Cribyn]

Hello Roy

Two very nice buttons and a different backmark is always a good excuse to own more than one example (at least I tell myself that all the time!).

Both are coatee buttons as you know, so pre 1855.

Roger

[Roy]

Hi Roger,

I couldn't agree more - any excuse to grab another one.

Anoraks r us.....

Cheerio,

Roy