[Guzzman]

Yes, this is a Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) officers button of the design worn between 1891 and 1902.

The Royal Naval Reserve was founded in 1859 when a reserve was recruited from men who worked at sea in the merchant service. Officers were included four years later. The first uniforms for the RNR were issued in 1864.

The first pattern of RNR buttons consisted of a Victorian Queen's Crown over the letters RNR. The absence of the foul anchor from the buttons caused considerable offence to the RNR at the time.

In 1886 a new design of buttons was approved for the RNR - this was similar to the button you have but with a lined background. Royal Navy officers also had a lined background to their buttons at this time. Ratings had a lined background to their buttons as well.

However, in 1891 the lined background on the buttons of officers in the RN and the RNR was removed, leaving a plain background. This is the button you have. This button remained in use until replaced by one with a King's Crown in 1902.

Interestingly enough, it was also intended to remove the lined background from ratings buttons in 1891 but somehow they forgot to do it! Ratings still have a lined background to their buttons today, while officers have a plain background.

Pete