First European Regiment EIC? button ID

[irish79]

I have had this old button for many years, coming from my grandmother. I am not sure why she had it, if it was a family thing or what. It looks to me to be for an EIC regiment (a guess). It has what looks like the EIC Lion with the words "FIRST EUROPEAN REGT" on the front. Looks to be made of silver or some silver like metal. Maker on the reverse, "GIBSON & Co."

I have tried researching to confirm its period and confirm its origin. Anyone have any ideas?

Thx David

[Tinto]

Hi David,
Honourable East India Company.

A similar button discussed here:

https://www.britishbadgeforum.com/fo...ad.php?t=81878

Cheers, John

[dumdum]

I believe that they were called "John Company".

On my bookshelf/ reading list is "The Anarchy" which I propose to delve into when I've done all my other books!

[Wmr-RHB]

What I find strange is the designation "First European Regiment". As far as I know all three presidencies had European Regiments at several times. There were also times when they had more and then they were numbered. But always either the word "Madras", "Bengal" or "Bombay" was included.

[Artynut]

My impression was that the button was an infantry Regiment of the E.I.C. It has the same open ended loop and dot as buttons of the E.I.C. Artillery had. The Bengal, Bombay and Madras Artillery buttons are similar in design to it and to other British and Commonwealth Artillery buttons of that time ( ie, three gun design)

[irish79]

Thank you for the replies. Thats the challenge I ran into. That there were 3 presidencies. I have found reference in the book, 'The History of the Bengal European Regiment..' to the regiment in the early 1800's being referred to as the First European Regiment. The earliest mention being in 1803 during the battle of Deig. Also in 'A new oriental register and East-India directory for 1802', The First European Regiment listed as an infantry regiment under Col. Briscoe.

But then, I find similar references in others books regarding the Madras first European Regiment, referring to the regiment as simply the first European Regiment. Though I will say that looking at various sources online, the more common reference is under the Bengal Presidency and in those cases its "First" with upper case "F", whereas the few references related to Madras state as "first", lowercase "f".

But still not sure.

Any other thoughts?

Thx
David

[Wmr-RHB]

As an addition to my earlier post: The Regular Infantry Regiments of the British Indian Army: The Early Years until 1796 and use the links there to go to the individual regiments.