Sir Kenneth George Luke (1896-1971) was a successful businessman and V.F.L. football administrator. He had been an apprentice of Stokes & Sons P/L from 1910, leaving the company in 1921.
Decoration and Glass, April 1938 page 70.
He became a partner in a metal-spinning and silverware business in Carlton in 1921, becoming the owner by 1925.
The Age (Melbourne), 6th June 1928 page 10.
It would become a successful silverware and military accoutrement firm, also making hospital equipment.
“Decoration and Glass” magazine, 1936 page 50.
In 1930 it was listed as K. G. Luke Pty. Ltd. then in 1953 became K. G. Luke (A/Asia) Ltd. The name changed to Luke Ltd. in 1976 and was taken over by National Consolidated Ltd. in 1983.
Australian Women’s Weekly, 18th March 1950 page 6. Paramount was Luke’s trademarked silverware.
The Advertiser (Adelaide), 16th April 1953 page 7.
The Age (Melbourne), 16th May 1953 page 5. Coronation Souvenirs.
The company is first listed as making buttons in 1934. From 1935 -1945 K. G. Luke made brass, copper, oxidised and white metal buttons for military needs, as well as brooches, badges, buckles, identity disks and heated food trolleys.
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, 13th June 1935 page 821.
In 1976 KG Luke Group Industries changed its name to Luke Limited. This was taken over by National Consolidated Limited in 1983.
State Library Victoria: c1970.
Buttons
With and without state borders.
K. G. Luke Pty Ltd
Australian Staff Corps
Country Fire Brigades Board
The Australian national Line
Backmark: Luke Badge 8732555
K. G. Luke A’Asia Ltd. (Blackened finish).
The button below is interesting: After the battle for Guadalcanal the First Marine Division came to Australia to be rested, particularly in Melbourne. They required warmer clothes for winter and so the ‘Australian Battle Jacket’ was made for them in 1943. It was referred to as the Vandegrift jacket.
Commonwealth Government Gazette: Contracts accepted 24th June 1943.
“Vandergrif” jacket. Museum Victoria, item HT25448. 1943.
RAAF
NSW Police, King’s Crown
Victoria Police, King’s and Queen’s crowns. Another version below.
Red Cross
TAA Captain’s epaulette button.TAA was rebranded as Australian Airlines in 1986 and acquired by Qantas in 1992.
The AMF button below is a puzzle. The company changed its name to K. G. Luke (A/Asia) Ltd in May 1953, and yet the button features a “Kings Crown”. As King George VI died on the 6th February 1952, this crown should not have been used, although Elizabeth was not crowned until 2nd June 1953. I wonder if the button was made in 1953 but not issued?
There is a dot for the location of the ACT
A Nauru flag cuff-link.
Unknown button by K.G.Luke, Melb