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#1
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Thoughts on this backmark design?
Hi Gents,
Does anyone have any thoughts on this backmark? Cheers, Roy
__________________
Collecting: Despatch Rider Insignia & Photographs. Author/Dealer in the Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife My website: www.fsknife.com |
#2
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Hi Roy
It could be another Smith & Wright, there is a similar pattern on some of their buttons. Rob |
#3
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Hello Roy
I think Rob is probably right, Smith & Wright (or Smith, Kemp & Wright if it is an early button). There is certainly a great deal of similarity between the two patterns. What size is your button? If it is a small size it might explain why there is no maker's name, just the pattern. Just as an aside, I don't think much research has been done on 'pattern' backmarks. Another project for you Roy! Roger |
#4
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Birmingham was a subcontracting industry. This backmark may have been chosen by a subcontractor indicating Smith & Wright were the contractor. Another option is that S&W supplied a local agent who did not want the manufacturer's name on their buttons.
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#5
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Hi Gents,
Thank you for this. If it helps the button is from 1855-1881 and is Shropshire Militia (pic below) the size is 17.6mm Cheers, Roy
__________________
Collecting: Despatch Rider Insignia & Photographs. Author/Dealer in the Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife My website: www.fsknife.com |
#6
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I've pulled out a button for the 4th (King's Own) Regiment of Foot, other ranks, 1855-1867, so within the same time period as Roy's button and Rob's as well, I would say. It has more or less the same pattern around the shank.
The backmark is 'P Tait & Co Limerick'. P Tait & Co were army contractors making uniforms between about 1855 and 1875 (for the British Army, the Union Army AND the Confederate Army, blockade running in the process!!). I think btns is right in his post 4 above - Tait contracted the making of the buttons to another firm, probably Smith & Wright. In 'Shoulder Belt Plates & Buttons' Parkyn states "The 1855-71 buttons for other ranks were mostly made by Smith & Wright of Birmingham". The same pattern around the shank was used earlier by Smith, Kemp & Wright so there does appear to be a pattern emerging (if you will forgive the pun!). Although by no means conclusive, the above would suggest that Rob is absolutely right, Roy's button was made by Smith & Wright. Roger |
#7
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Thanks for the chaps,
I thing Rob and Roger are certainly on the right track with this as the design does indeed look identical. As the date on my example is around 1855-81 (assuming these conclusions are correct), would this be Smith & Wright or Smith Kemp & Wright? Cheerio, Roy
__________________
Collecting: Despatch Rider Insignia & Photographs. Author/Dealer in the Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife My website: www.fsknife.com |
#8
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Hello Roy
It could be either as I believe Kemp dropped out of the business in about 1864 leaving just Smith & Wright to carry on. Roger |
#9
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Thanks for that Roger.
Cheers, Roy
__________________
Collecting: Despatch Rider Insignia & Photographs. Author/Dealer in the Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife My website: www.fsknife.com |
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