Hobson

[Frank Kelley]

Are these button backstamps completely spurious?

[altcar73]

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

Dave.

[Phil2M]

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

[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by Phil2M

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

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

Uniforium is the on line catalogue of the Hobson Group.

The Group includes Turner Virr & Co. Ltd. and Hobson & Sons (London) and is operated from the Turner Virr premises in Yorkshire.

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[cbuehler]

Originally Posted by altcar73

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

Dave.

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

[mike_vee]

Originally Posted by cbuehler

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

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

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[Rob Miller]

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

[mike_vee]

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 ?

.

[Frank Kelley]

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

Originally Posted by altcar73

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

Dave.

[Rob Miller]

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

[Terry Rayner]

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

[Frank Kelley]

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

Originally Posted by Rob Miller

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

[Rob Miller]

I did consider the "S", I have checked my collection and I have a Large WM 28th London (Artists) pre 1936 with the same reverse (no "S") as yours and it looks its age.

I also have a large pre 1922 Leinster Officers spun back button with the HOBSON & SON LONDON back mark.

Was there a period when Hobson just had the one son early in the twentieth century?

Rob