101st mystery

[GTB]

This beauty has baffled many of the keenest minds in military buttons collecting.
I have carried out a lot of research on it and there are a few contenders for the honour.
Unfortunately, I still don't have an authoritative confirmation on it.

One-piece, 23mm, gilt (traces of). Maker: LLOYD AND RIDLEY

Comments welcome.

GTB

[irish]

From what time period would you place this button?

[GTB]

Not clear cut.
Several British regiments bore this number, ranging from 18th century
Have been unable to tie down the date by maker. However, the Rose and Thistle appear so in colours of the period

GTB

[Hussar100]

You've put 101st in the thread title. Does this mean you suspect it of being from Johnston's Highlanders? Certainly the thistle on the right hand side suggests a Scottish connection.

[Cribyn]

Hello GTB

This might be a good start, from Wikipedia,

"101st Regiment of Foot may refer to:
101st Regiment of Foot, or Johnstone's Highlanders, raised in 1760
101st Regiment of Foot, raised in 1780
101st Regiment of Foot, raised in 1794
101st Regiment of Foot (Duke of York's Irish), raised in 1805
101st Regiment of Foot (Royal Bengal Fusiliers), raised by the East India Company and placed on the British establishment as the 101st Foot in 1862".

Some of these can perhaps be eliminated quite quickly. 1760 is possibly a little early for a regiment to have its own design of button, 1767 is usually the accepted date for regimental devices on button.

The Duke of York's Irish can possibly be dismissed because your button appears to have a thistle device!

Your button seems to be too early for the 101st Bengal.

This would leave the 101st raised in 1780 or 1794 as possible contenders. I will see if I can find out any more on these early regiments.

Regards
Roger

[Cribyn]

Hello GTB

Just found your button in an article written by Howard Ripley in the MHS journal. It is for the 101st Regiment of Foot which, Howard says, had a short existence and was disbanded in 1795. The button illustrated in Howard's article has the same backmark as yours.

Regards
Roger

[GTB]

Originally Posted by Hussar100

You've put 101st in the thread title. Does this mean you suspect it of being from Johnston's Highlanders? Certainly the thistle on the right hand side suggests a Scottish connection.

Not really. I put 101st in thread title because that is the number on the button.

I initially did go for Johnstone's but later discounted. The thistle when paired with the rose also used by union regiments

GTB

[Hussar100]

Originally Posted by GTB

Not really. I put 101st in thread title because that is the number on the button.

I initially did go for Johnstone's but later discounted. The thistle when paired with the rose also used by union regiments

GTB

I see. Thanks for clarifying.

[GTB]

Originally Posted by Cribyn

Hello GTB

Just found your button in an article written by Howard Ripley in the MHS journal. It is for the 101st Regiment of Foot which, Howard says, had a short existence and was disbanded in 1795. The button illustrated in Howard's article has the same backmark as yours.

Regards
Roger

There has been extensive correspondence involving Howard and my friend and former Forum member, Denis Darmanin concerning this button. I need to consult my notes but believe that concensus was that button not conclusively identified. Howard spent a lot of time researching it. Button illustrated is mine.

GTB

[GTB]

Originally Posted by Cribyn

Hello GTB

This might be a good start, from Wikipedia,

"101st Regiment of Foot may refer to:
101st Regiment of Foot, or Johnstone's Highlanders, raised in 1760
101st Regiment of Foot, raised in 1780
101st Regiment of Foot, raised in 1794
101st Regiment of Foot (Duke of York's Irish), raised in 1805
101st Regiment of Foot (Royal Bengal Fusiliers), raised by the East India Company and placed on the British establishment as the 101st Foot in 1862".

Some of these can perhaps be eliminated quite quickly. 1760 is possibly a little early for a regiment to have its own design of button, 1767 is usually the accepted date for regimental devices on button.

The Duke of York's Irish can possibly be dismissed because your button appears to have a thistle device!

Your button seems to be too early for the 101st Bengal.

This would leave the 101st raised in 1780 or 1794 as possible contenders. I will see if I can find out any more on these early regiments.

Regards
Roger

Thanks for assistance. I have referred to the Wikipedia data early on in my efforts to establish a connection, before referring to the bigger collectors.
There are lots of tantalising clues but nothing to tie down.
GTB

[GTB]

Originally Posted by Cribyn

Hello GTB

Just found your button in an article written by Howard Ripley in the MHS journal. It is for the 101st Regiment of Foot which, Howard says, had a short existence and was disbanded in 1795. The button illustrated in Howard's article has the same backmark as yours.

Regards
Roger

PM sent

GTB

[GTB]

Until proven otherwise, will apportion date and regiment as to the 1794-1795 101st Ft.
Basing primarily on the Irish button manufacturer, who was especially active within the time-frame.

Thanks everyone.

GTB