historic button

[GTB]

I'd like to share my pleasure in finding a truly 'historic' button this afternoon whilst detecting.
A cursory look will simply show a small brass button of the 89th Regt of Foot, having design of '89' within an open French scroll. Note that there is no dot above the opening. This denotes the button as being an earlier design.
So what makes it historic to me? Well, I have been trying hard to locate finds pertaining to the early years of the British Garrison in Malta and the 89th Foot had the distinction of being one of the very first two British Infantry Regiments to land in Malta during the Blockade against the French. Obviously a good starting-off base for collection of buttons representing the British Garrison.(The other regiment was the 30th). The 89th served here from 6th Dec 1799 until 17th Dec 1800 when it left for the campaign in Egypt.
It is closed back and has a loop shank. Makers mark illegible. Size, 15mm.