Decorative Button

Nineteenth century decorative military livery or dress jacket button, formed of copper alloy. This button is made up of two parts and was produced using a machine stamping method.

The embossed design on the front is a Coat of Arms in the scroll design which is split into divisions showing the important parts of a crest, including a lion on hind legs, shell, crescent moon and stars.

The reverse shows maker’s mark FIRMIN & SON STRAND LONDON, who have been the producer of buttons for the Royal family since the reign of King Charles II, showing that the owner of this button was clearly wealthy and of status. Also discernible on the reverse is the word ‘Conduit’, which presumably refers to Conduit Street in London, where, during the expansion of the business, another branch was opened in 1838, remaining until 1879 (The National Archives).