Judge's livery buttons

[Jamesb853]

I am not sure if this is going off the subject, but would anything like to se some livery buttons worn by court officials appointed by senior judges? Until 1875 the most senior judges appointed their own: tipstaff, clerk, secretary, train bearer and butler. These functionaries were involved in the ceremonial of Assizes, and are therefore of some historical interest in the context of the history of the criminal justice system. Let me know if you are interested, and I will post ehem.

[Peter Brydon]

James,

I would like to see them, even though I only collect military items I do have books that show Railway and Hunt buttons because sometimes buttons that you hope are military turn out not to be. The more information you have the easier positive identification becomes.

P.B.

[Cribyn]

Hello James

I echo Peter's comment, the more information we have the easier it becomes to identify those mystery items most of us have tucked away somewhere! I would very much like to see your buttons.

Regards
Roger

[Phil2M]

Curiosity is now going to kill this cat

[GTB]

Would very much like to see them. I may have examples lying unidentified among my stuff.
GTB

[Jamesb853]

Thank you for your responses. Here are the buttons:

1. Rt. Hon. Sir Frederick Pollock, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, 1844-1866. The plain section at the top left of the shield represents a portcullis erased on the arms, indicating that Sir Frederick had been an MP (and Attorney-General) before his elevation to the bench in 1844. Backmark: Hammond Turner and Sons below QVC. Date: c 1844. The Lord Chief Baron was a senior judicial post in one of the old Common Law Courts that were merged to create the present High Court in 1875.
2. Sir George Bramwell, Baron of the Exchequer 1856-75. Originally gilt. Backmark: C Pitt & Co 50 St Martins Lane London. Date c 1856. This office equated to a modern High Court judge. Bramwell travelled on circuit as an Assize judge and his ceremonial tricorn hat is preserved in the museum at the Royal Courts of Justice.

These are officially classed as livery buttons, and were worn by the individual's personal staff.

[GTB]

Thanks for posting.
What is the metal of button No.1?

GTB

[Jamesb853]

No. 1 is silver plated brass.