Hobson
 

Are these button backstamps completely spurious?

No, Hobson & Sons were and continue to be major manufacturers of military and civilian uniforms and equipment.

Dave.

Unfortunately, their Benfleet factory is now demolished and on its way to being replaced by a block of flats :(

Indeed, one of the most prolific makers of military uniforms and effects for a very long time. I think that the button in question was likely made by another firm with Hobson's name added, as I believe they were not badge or button makers themselves.

CB

They teamed up with Turner Virr & Co. Ltd. They had an on-line site called "Uniforium" but the site appears to have closed down.


.

So do you think that particular backstamp to be original then?

Yes I would says so, here is an 18mm KC GS button with a similar mark.

What is on the front of your button Frank?

Rob

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...ctureid=166295

Hi Troops
I have a Essex 25mm button with... HOBSON & SONS LEXINGSTON ST LONDON W as the backmarker.

A post from 2012 makes no mention of them manufacturing buttons , so it is possible/probable that you are correct.

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...58&postcount=2

.

I wonder why they would have their name put on a GS button by another manufacturer?

And they have numerous different back marks going right back into the Victorian period.

Rob

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...ctureid=173081

Their main business was Military Tailoring and Outfitting but they also supplied other items bearing their name including belt buckles and swords !

An article in Illustrated London (1893) states that :

"Metal badges , ornaments , and buttons of every description made to order"

It is not clear whether they actually made them or they were 'sub contracted' to other manufacturers and produced with their own marks on them ? :confused:

.

I believe they subcontracted certain items. I have seen Hobson marked buttons before.

CB

The King's Regt awarded the contract for Hobsons for their badges (I assume buttons too). Certainly 1880s and 1908.

It's quite common for uniform manufacturers to backmark buttons with their company name. It does not mean that the button has been made by the company whose name is on it, just that it's retailed by them.

I have several buttons with the name "Grantham" on the back. That said, Grantham are uniform retailers not button makers.

Dozens of military belt buckles are marked "Hobson". They don't make the buckles, they retail them.

Dave.

Hello Rob,
Yes, I can see your button and it has what I would expect for that period, very clearly an antique proper that looks it's age, but, the King Edward's Horse example in the original post, I think, pretends to be of the same period, if original , I would expect the same backstamp of Hobson & Sons, not Son, executed in the same manner.
Regards Frank