Uniform Buttons

These two are not new, but are examples differing backmarks for my collection.

This design was generic for British/colonial artillery forces from 1831 until 1873 then replaced with a design showing only one field gun. When British troops left Australia in 1870, Victoria and New South Wales set up small Permanent Artillery Forces. They did not change from the 3 gun design to the new design with one gun until 1880, probably due to the cost in replacing the buttons.

The firm of Smith Kemp & Wright dates from 1850-1861, when Kemp left the partnership. Therefore, these buttons, supplied from 1870,  were old stock or made using up old backs. This can be a trap for the unwary trying to date buttons!

Victorian Military Forces 1891-1901

I have this button also backmarked : Brockworth’s London, Stokes & Martin Melb, Stokes & Sons Melbourne, Stokes & Sons Melb, H.W. Martin London, Bowley & Co. Melbourne. It also exists marked Moubray, Rowan & Hicks Melb. (They were outfitters from 1878-1892.)

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