The Adam Park Project

Item Information:

Catalogue Number: 20/01/003 Source: TAPP Archaeology Surveys Location: No.20 Adam Park Report No: Report No.1 Artifact Type: Button Production Date: 2009-11-16 00:00:00 Dimensions of Item: 15mm dia Copyright with The Adam Park Project

Other Description:

The military button was found in the top soil of the garden. It was encrusted in mud and the motif was difficult to discern at first. However as the mud dried and fell away the embossed image showed through. It depicts the lion and the unicorn supporters holding a shield that has a garter wrapped around the lower half. Above the shield is a crown which in turn is surmounted by a lion passant.

Historic Context:

Although regimental pattern buttons continued for Officers, other ranks wore 'General Service' buttons from 1871 until after the First World War (the same pattern throughout the whole Army). The British Army is full of exceptions, and some regiments permitted NCOs to wear regimental buttons during this period.The General Service button could be found on a number of different articles of clothing belonging to NCO’s or OR’s. A button of this size would most likely adorn a cap or dress waistcoat.