Yes Dave you are correct, I used the term manufactured when I should have said retailed. From what I have been able to find out the principal maker (or were they retailers?) of metal adornments in the early Constabulary of Ireland/Provincial Constabulary days was Buckmasters, but this was principally for officers glit badges, buckles, scales etc. Metal or horn buttons is another matter.
I'm not trying to undermine the accumulated knowledge of other collectors (and I've known a few myself) but rather to pin down with facts why they believe a particular item is what it is.
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