Buttons to ID Please - British & Commonwealth Military Badge Forum

4966Ian · #1 13-11-16, 03:39 PM

Hi Folks,

I picked up these two buttons recently as they interested me.

1. What looks like a QVC over 2 heraldic lions / leopards
Gilt Closed Back
Diameter = 27mm
Backmark = FIRMIN & SONS Ld . LONDON

I feel I have seen this design before - but just can't place it. But it maybe that that I have seen other insignia with the Lions/Leopards on and my mind is playing tricks.

2. A circlet of oak leafs within which is QVC atop the stylised script letters "LR" which are forward and reveresed (i.e. “LRRL”).
Gilt Open Backed
Diameter = 23.3mm
Backmark = P.H. MILLS . TREBLE GILT . H

I had hoped it was a Mufti or Undress Button to a "L????? Regiment". But on reflection - that was probably just wishful thinking on my part.
So I am now wondering if this could be a Royal Household/staff button for one of Victoria's children Leopold or Louise but am seriously out of my depth with it.

Any suggestions or help gratefully accepted.

Many thanks

Ian

btns · #2 13-11-16, 04:20 PM

The first button has a Prince's crown. It could be Russian.
The second button is an early court button to the Belgian King Leopold I.

4966Ian · #3 13-11-16, 05:06 PM

Hi Btns,

Many thanks for your thoughts.

I would never have guessed Princes's Crown and possibly 'Russian' for the first button.

With the second button are there clues I should have noticed that indicated that this in not a 'British' Royalty button or that indicated it was Belgian?

Many thanks

Ian

btns · #4 13-11-16, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4966Ian

Hi Btns,
...
With the second button are there clues I should have noticed that indicated that this in not a 'British' Royalty button or that indicated it was Belgian?
Ian

Not much. It was identified by Belgian collectors.
There are a few clues for it not being british royalty.
The script letters are mirrored: L.R. (Leopold Rex)
The band of the crown is adorned by leaves and a german cross, not by fleur de lis.

4966Ian · #5 14-11-16, 09:33 PM

Hi Btns,

Thanks for those pointers.
In particular the pointer about the "...The band of the crown is adorned by leaves and a german cross, not by fleur de lis.".
Hadn't spotted that at all. So something to look out for on other buttons.

Many thanks again.

Ian

btns · #6 14-11-16, 10:33 PM

Here is a stock button with a continental Prince's Crown.
It was made by I.C. Maedicke in Berlin.
You will find many more of these crowns in the foreign section of Livery Buttons Identified.
https://sites.google.com/site/livery...oreign-buttons