British Military button?

[Windgo]

Found a button in the bush today while metal detecting.

Its a British military service button. And im in Australia...

On the back it says Smith-Birwinchaw... I think.

The other letters are worn away.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

http://imgur.com/Mtx17VH&iB70rPP#1

http://imgur.com/Mtx17VH&iB70rPP#0ttp://

[Donny B.]

One of the button experts ought to be able to tell you all about this but until one comes along you must make do with me.

The button has a Tudor (King's crown) on it so I expect that it is post 1901. That means it was not lost by a soldier in one of the British regiments serving in Australia during our colonial days, if in fact any of them wore the General Service button, which may have been pretty exciting if that interests you.

Possibly it was brought back to Australia among some souvenirs by a returning serviceman but why it was lying out in the bush is anybody's guess. I can imagine that it would have made good shanghai ammunition.

You might find your button among this lot belonging to Forum member Rob Miller

http://www.britishbadgeforum.com/for...service+button

(Sorry! Just realised that this address only takes you to the Forum thread.....you will have to open Rob Miller's album when you get there. He gives that address in his opening post. Is that confusing, or what!)

I Man

[davidwyke]

Hi

It's a British Army "general service" button worn c.1902-1952 but particularly both world wars. The backmark is probably Smith & Wright, Birmingham or something similar.

How did it end up out in the bush, who knows? Perhaps former UK soldier out there wearing old issue uniform or somebody wearing military surplus clothing?

Hope this helps!

David

PS.....the GS buttons were probably worn more extensively in WW1 than WW2 but were worn throughout the above period.