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#1
30-01-16, 03:15 PM
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Unknown - SMI(?) Button
Hi there,
Does anyone recognise this button please. It is silvered, with a KC above what looks like the stylised script letters "S M I". It is 25mm in diameter and has the backmark of "W. STRATTON BREWER St LONDON". I did wonder if it is 'S????? Mounted Infantry' - but that is probably just wishful thinking. Many thanks for any help. Ian 
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#2
30-01-16, 03:40 PM
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Hello Ian
Sibsagar Mounted Infantry, Indian Volunteers and Auxiliary Forces. Title adopted in 1886, reverted to Sibsagar Mounted Rifles in 1889. Thank Howard Ripley, not me, for the ID! It is in an article he wrote for the MHS Bulletin. His has the same backmark as yours. Regards Roger
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#4
30-01-16, 05:01 PM
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Well done Ian,
And a nice I'd Roger. A lovely find. Roy.
__________________
Collecting: Despatch Rider Insignia & Photographs. Author/Dealer in the Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife My website: www.fsknife.com
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#5
30-01-16, 07:56 PM
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Hi chaps,
Roger - Thanks for the identification. I don't think I would ever have got that ID. Does that mean that with the change of Title from Sibsagar Mounted Infantry in 1886 to Sibsagar Mounted Rifles in 1889, that the initials on subsequent buttons changed from "S M I" to "S M R" as well? David - Now you mention it, having looked at the crown again, I can see what you mean about the Crown being the earlier Imperial Crown - it is certainly 'broader' than standard Kings Crown. Roy - Yes, it's a cracking looking button, was pleased to get that. Cheers Ian
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#6
30-01-16, 09:45 PM
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Hi Ian
My older MHS Bulletins are packed away in the attic and I'm too lazy to drag them out but, without checking, I think your button was only worn c.1886-1889. The title changed to Mounted Rifles in 1889 and the buttons probably changed then also. Either way, it wasn't worn past 1891 as this unit was one of several which merged to form the Assam Valley Mounted Rifles in that year. A few years later the AVMR became the well known Assam Valley Light Horse. As I said, quite a rare button, small unit and only worn for a short time. David PS..... from the above, I think Roger has his Bulletins to hand so no doubt he will confirm or correct me! PPS....... Just checked another reference: Sibsager: 1884-1886 - Mounted Rifles 1886-1889 - Mounted Infantry (= your button) 1889-1891 - Mounted Rifles 1891 - formed part of AVMR as I detailed above. Last edited by davidwyke; 30-01-16 at 11:02 PM. Reason: additional info
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#8
30-01-16, 11:20 PM
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Looks like you got a good find there Ian, well done!
It's nice when something acquired unexpectedly turns out to be rather rare. Roy.
__________________
Collecting: Despatch Rider Insignia & Photographs. Author/Dealer in the Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife My website: www.fsknife.com
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#9
31-01-16, 01:06 AM
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Quote:
 )David
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#10
13-04-16, 08:51 PM
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[1] Howard Ripley Article requested ?
[2] Sibsgar Volunteer Mounted Rifles SBP silver. Free postage  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sibsagar-M...IAAOSwmmxW4eEs [3] Chris Kempton's VF book lists as under without the 'volunteer' SMR 29 Feb 1884 -> SMI 30 Apr 86 -> SMR 6 Nov 89 -> part of AVMR 6 Nov 91. Quite a few AVLH pics in his book. No AVMR Will take a look at the IA lists soon. [4] Sibsagar 'Cap / Collar' badges (any seen please ?)
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