Pre Federation British Uniform Buttons from NZ

14th Regiment of Foot

Backmarked P. Tait Limerick

For a better condition button, and more on this regiment, see http://www.austbuttonhistory.com/uncategorized/26th-october-2020/

I have not photographed the back as it is very worn, however, it has the same border around the shank as shown yesterday on Smith, Kemp & Wright buttons, which suggests Tait sourced his buttons from that firm.

Peter Tait opened the Limerick Clothing Company in 1853. See http://www.austbuttonhistory.com/uncategorized/6th-november-2020/

The 14th Foot were stationed in Australian colonies from 1866-1870, travelling there after a period serving in New Zealand from 1860-1866.

Royal Engineers

Backmark: Smith & Wright Birmingham. Date c.1841-1888.

Detachments of Royal Engineers were stationed in New Zealand from around 1840. to superintend the erection and control of military and convict buildings. During conflicts, they were responsible for setting up entrenchments and batteries as well as other duties.The 6th company of Royal Engineers arrived in 1847 with most finally leaving in 1866, excepting those who had retired and chose to stay.

New Zealand Herald, 29th June 1866 page 6.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 28th April 1860 page 3.

From a description of a expedition to Kaihihi: Wellington Independent, 6th November 1860 page 3.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 123th March 1866 page 3. New Zealand, like the Australian colonies, were to take over control of their own defence. Most of the Engineers left later that year.