Maltese cross & Fouled anchor E Stillwell

[High Wood]

I am struggling to identify these buttons made by E.Stillwell & Son. London.

I was thinking that they might be Royal Naval Chaplain's buttons but I cannot confirm that they are.

[btns]

If I remember well collectors named it Bristol Port Ambulance.

[altcar73]

The Port of Bristol Authority did indeed have at one time their own Ambulance Service. However, it was operated by the Port Police who wore their normal tunic buttons featuring an anchor topped with an oval containing the part arms of the City & County of Bristol. I don't know what this button represents, however, I doubt it having any connection with Bristol or its Port. As a matter of interest, several ports and harbours in England and Wales have operated their own Ambulance Service viz: London, Felixstowe, Dover, Tilbury and Bristol to name a few.

Dave.

[High Wood]

Many thanks for your replies; googling Bristol Port Ambulance brings up nothing button related so I have to agree with Dave that it has nothing to do with Bristol.

The fouled anchor suggests a naval connection and the Maltese cross suggests a religious or medical link which is why I thought of naval chaplains.

[Cribyn]

It's probably a bit of a long shot but there is always the possibility of the button being for a shipping line or a yacht club. Both have used some rather odd looking designs over the years.

Roger

[btns]

I have now been able to access my records.
An old collectors group (1970s and earlier) with access to pattern books and buckets of buttons in desolate factories named it:

Bristol City & Marine Ambulance Corps, 1890 onwards.

I have learnt that these old boys in the pre-internet days were superb collectors and researchers. I cannot offer any evidence myself.
I agree it has always been an odd button and it would be nice to get hard evidence.

from the web:
Here is the maltese cross on an ambulance: https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Oxford-Diec...-43/1011738281