J. K. Cossum, in his book “Buttons of the Defence Forces in Australia” includes images of some very rare buttons. Here’s another for my wish list:
Victorian Volunteer Rifles, 1860-1870
From an auction catalogue of Noble Numismatics https://www.noble.com.au/site/docs/cats/sale_117/A19.pdf pages 182; with thanks.
The corresponding uniform button (see Cossum page 9) shows a similar bugle with block captial letters ‘VR’ within the loop. The Queen Victoria crown is separated from the bugle by a small gap. The background is finely striped. The makers mark is T. Stokes, Melbourne (i.e. pre 1867).
The Major General gave a speech complimenting and encouraging them, concluding …
The Argus (Melbourne), 3rd January 1860 page 5.
State Library Victoria, Image # b28224. Wlliamstown Company. Not all uniforms sported buttons; these have “frogs” as closures.
State Library Victoria image # b28821. Richmond Company c.1861
Australian War Memorial image P10416.001 Studio portrait of Lieutenant James Frisby of the Victorian Volunteer Rifles, c.1875.