New South Wales Police

Tudor Crown: 1902-1952

Although there were multiple die-sinkers able to produce uniform buttons within Australia, we still sourced from England, such as this example. Backmarks seen on Australian uniform buttons include Smith & Wright Ltd, E. Stillwell & Son London, W. Jones & Co. London, Green & Baker Birmingham, J. R. Guant & Son London, Hobsons & Sons London, Doughty & Co. London, Firmin & Sons London, G & W Almond London, Hebbert & Co London, Beckworths Ltd London, Bryan Bros. London, Fraser Ross & Co. Glasgow, H. W. Martin London, Green & Baker. It is important to realise that the backmark does not always indicate the button manufacturer: it may be marked for the outfitter who used them when making uniforms, or the supplier/distributor who on-sold them.

As well, there were generic marks such as Extra Rich Standard, Superior Quality, and buttons with the backs left blank.

This button has a rather ‘busy’ back: with the words ‘Crossed Sword’, the”Sword Make trade mark” logo,  and ‘Made in England’.  The ‘Crossed Sword Trade mark’ was used by Thomas Carlyle Ltd., one of several British button manufacturers who amalgamated to form Buttons Limited in 1907. (The company used this trademark, and others, after the merger, but with the new name.)

G & W Almond were probably not button manufacturers.  As their name appears on shakos, and buttons, and they tended for mail bags, perhaps they were softgood manufacturers, warehousemen or distributors. George W. Almond described himself as a merchant in a court case in 1863.,

Hebbert & Co were military outfitters/contractors from 1852-1895 turning to police and railway outfitters later on in the century. In directory listings they were described as  army helmet, cap and clothing manufacturers, also as a accoutrement maker.  ( Accoutrements are parts of a soldier’s outfit usually not including clothes and weapons). However, buttons were not specified.

Hebbert & Hume existed from 1815 until 1829. After that Charles Hebbert operated from 1830-1839, Charles Hebbert & Co from 1940-44, Hebbert & Co  by 1852-1894 then Hebbert & Co. Ltd. from 1895-1904 ( possibly 1907).

Beckworths Ltd. London, were probably accourement makers or suppliers.

The Bryan family were military hat makers as early as 1817. They traded as Bryan Brothers & Co from 1869-1894, then just Bryan Brothers from 1895-1899. In an 1882 directory, they were described as hardwaremen/wholesalesmen of army and navy buttons.

Fraser, Ross & Co were clothing manufacturers at 106 Brunswick Street, Glasgow, with James Fraser and John Ross going into partnership in 1890.

H. W. Martin: This name appears on the back of various pre-federation uniform buttons, but I can find no information on them. They were not listed as button makers in London directories, but may have been outfitters or warehousemen.

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