RN - Transport Service Button

by Tim Burt - 2/19/2008
 

This button I have known about for years but could never properly identify it. I first saw this button, in a 1906 JR Gaunt Button & Badge Catalogue. The Grey, upper right picture is from that catalogue.

It was first identified to me by a very knowledgeable friend in Australia, Cmdr John Wilkins from his excellent book, "Naval Buttons, Buckles, Banners & Badges, 1748-2003". The upper left picture is from his book.

The lower left picture is from a recent "Unidentified", button for sale on E-bay.

The lower right picture is from an "Unidentified", button for sale on E-bay, from about two years ago.

These buttons are unauthorized issues for the RN Transport Service and date to the period 1807.

The RN Transport Service "Official" issue buttons is one of "Crossed Cannons", saltire style. (If any reader has a picture of one, please send a copy to me).

The first known mention of these buttons, appears to be in an article written by Professor Lewis's 1945 Research Paper, "Mariner's Mirror", (see Pl.3, B3).