“Slung Bugle”

Stokes & Sons Melbourne

There is uncertainty amongst collectors as to whether such uniform buttons were for rifle companies or civilian brass bands. The design is referred to as a ‘slung bugle’. A book published in 1924 titled ‘Common Commodities and Industries. The Button Industry.’ by W. Unite Jones shows an example on page 6 of this design  labelled ‘Bronzed Bugle, Rifles’ in a collection of military buttons by Jennens & Co.

From a collection of military buttons made by Jennens & Co.

Therefore, even if this was at some stage adopted by civilian bands, the design has its root in use for rifle regiments. A badge for bugle proficiency was used in WW2 era, but with long tassels on the cord (see below).

H.M. Customs – Victoria?

Backmark Firmin & Sons London i.e. mid-late 19th century.

This button is similar, but not identical, to one of several H.M. Customs buttons shown on Cossum page 69. Each colony had its own service and uniform until Federation.

A customs service started in Victoria as early as 1836 in a tent pitch besides the River Yarra!

Illustrated Australian News, 1 June 1889 page 165.
Source: National Library of Australia

State Library SA PRG 280/1/44/622: Arthur Searcy Customs Officer 1891. He wears similar buttons.

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