BEST BOOK FOR BRITISH BUTTONS

[Spencer]

Can anyone tell me what is the best Book for IDing British Military buttons?
Thanks
Spencer

[wright241]

Originally Posted by Spencer

Can anyone tell me what is the best Book for IDing British Military buttons?
Thanks
Spencer

The Parkyn book (mainly SBP's) has a few to each Cavalry and the 'Line' regiments, but I assume you are looking for something more comprehensive?

[Old War Horse]

Hello - If you are looking for comprehensive coverage post 1855 then Howard Ripley's book on British Military Buttons - the second edition, not the first - is probably best to start with. For pre 1855 then it is Major H G Parkyn - Shoulder Belt Plates and Buttons. The first should cost you under £10.00 but the second will probably cost around £50.00, if you can find one. Avoid Gwen Squires 'Buttons' as it is full of errors.

[41st]

There are some excellent publications issued by the Military Historical Society for Volunteers' buttons and English Militia. They are a must for older buttons.

[4966Ian]

Have to agree with both posters on the books. For Pre-1855 buttons, Parkyn's book is excellent.

I just have a couple of proviso's on which books to recommend and they are dependant upon to what depth of interest in buttons you have and in what part of the Army.

If just a passing interest, in all British Military Buttons then Howard Ripley's first book is alright:

Buttons of the British Army 1855-1970 is not bad. It has 670 buttons photographed. Showing Regt of Foot, Infantry, Cavalry, Yeomanry, Corps and Services and a few Militia & Officer's mess dress. (Shows common examples but not much depth)

For more in depth books, then the following are well worth the money:

Buttons of the Regular Army 1855 - 2000 (Howard Ripley& Denis Darmanin). Line drawings of 555 buttons belonging to Regt of Foot, Infantry, Cavalry, Corps and Services.

Yeomanry Buttons 1830-2000 (Howard Ripley & Denis Darmanin). Line drawings of 256 buttons belonging to the Yeomanry. (Contains an addendum to his Rifle Volunteer Book).

Rifle Volunteer Buttons 1859-1908 (Howard Ripley & Denis Darmanin). Line drawings of 418 buttons belonging to the Rifle Volunteers.

Local Militia Buttons - Howard Ripley & Bob Moodie. Line drawings of 196 buttons belonging to the Local Militia.



As already mentioned Gwen Squires book - "Buttons: A guide for Collectors" shows a vast collection of buttons, both British and Foreign, military, naval and civilian. But it does contain numerous errors. A trickey one as to whether I would recommend it or not. I find it useful and copies usually go for £45-£60 2nd hand and do contain vast numbers of buttons. But as well as military buttons a lot are civilian (transport, Hunt, Shipping, Schools, Police, Fire Brigade) both British and world wide and there a numerous errors.


Cheers

Ian

[Sawstonjohn]

Totally agree with the previous recommendations. But there are errors in all of them to a greater or lesser extent!

Ripley's BUTTONS OF THE REGULAR ARMY 1855-2000 is excellent but if you ever come across a brass QC Suffolk Regiment please let me know (and also the Suffolk Regimental Museum as they haven't seen one either )


If you are new to the world of buttons PM me with your areas of interest - I may have a few spares for you

John

[Spencer]

Thanks for the replies.
I'm looking for mainly WW1 infantry as I need to complete my collection of the badges shoulder - collar badges and now buttons.
Thanks
Spencer