Hi all
Just picked up a large 21eme button from E-bay, found in Russia from 1812. The button has a loop back rather than the pyramid style you normally get as standard. I have seen the Imperial Guard buttons like this (i have one) but never the Infantry regiments. Can anyone shed any light on this. I was always led to believe that all the buttons were Pyramid backed, Interesting.
James

Does it have made in china stamped on the back ?
I am curious how the pyramid backed ones were made, was it a pyramid and then drilled out two ways, or was it molded that way.
Were the buttons a single mold or ?
No doubt Keith has a 99 page manual on the fabrication of such items in all their delicate glory.
Christopher

If it was made in China then i am interested in 1000 more for the Regimental stock.
I don't know how they were made every button i have is totally different. The style of the numbers vary from 21 to 2I (ROMAN NUMERALS)
Some look like they were cast in 2 pieces and some of them look like they were 1 piece with holes drilled in later, but think of the labour would it not be easier to just have a loop if that were the case.
James

Hi James,
The usual fabrication is the birdcage back, but some of the buttons I have from Spain/Lithuania have single loops. I suppose that it's the usual'never say never'when it comes to 'standard' patterns.
Andrew

Hi Andy
I took them to the meeting on sunday and everybody who looked at them couldn't believe the diferences. It just goes to show all these Re-enactors who tell you 'thats wrong this is wrong' talk utter pants.
Granted, i do think we must follow certain patterns of uniformity and items that have been made in the past have been quite a terrible standard, but who's to say it isn't right. I have worked in the hat trade and when the pressure is on to get orders out many corners were cut.
James