General service button

[OldBuick]

Hi guys.
I dug another button.
This one, I think is an Australian General service N.S.W military forces button, 1870 - 1890.

The backmark is in great condition and is very easy to read, but I haven't been able ID the manufacturer.
The backmark reads "S.A .Co . ltd London.






Cheers.

[4966Ian]

Hi there,

With it's possible Australian connection, I wonder if the button's backmark could be for:
"South Australian Company" which was formed in London in 1835.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Australian_Company

However, there may well be another company using that backmark, and I have jumped to the wrong conclusion.


Cheers

Ian

[Cribyn]

Hello OldBuick

A nice button find!

I think Ian may well be on the right track with his suggestion that 'S.A.Co Ltd' could be the South Australian Company. I have had a quick look through Cossum's book on Australian buttons and I can't find any other better candidate.

Bearing in mind that the backmark on a button is not always the maker, it is quite possible that the South Australian Company purchased a supply of buttons from a button manufacturer but had their own company details placed on the back. Quite a common practice if the order was large enough.

Keep on detecting!
Regards
Roger

[Mike_2817]

http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/REL/02597.002

[OldBuick]

Thanks for the help, much appreciated.

I will try and dig some information on the South Australia possible connection.

Cheers.

[OldBuick]

Originally Posted by Mike_2817

http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/REL/02597.002

Thanks Mike, I did see that link, it was that and a member on a metal detecting site that originally identified it.

Although if you look closely my button isn't as intricate, but I guess that could just mean it's from a lower ranking or volunteer. Or it could be South Australia's version.

[BCCU]

Great find.

This style of button was also used for Victorian Rail (Australian State) and possibly other Government Departments pre 1901.

Just a thought SA =South Africa?