Material: Silver-plated or nickel-plated brass with white-metal finish
Diameter: 20 mm
Description: The 20mm button displays a brilliant, protective chrome-plated finish applied over its primary brass base to entirely eliminate the need for laborious daily metal polishing. The central design features the iconic sprig of three maple leaves growing from a single stem, enclosed by a wide garter ribbon cleanly embossed with Canada's national motto A MARI USQUE AD MARE ("From Sea to Sea"). This specific chromed variant was engineered directly for the regiment’s everyday walking-out uniforms, winter greatcoats, or specialized orderlies' dress jackets rather than the gilded hardware reserved for scarlet ceremonial tunics. The intense, mirror-like luster provides a sharp contrast against heavy wool uniform cloth, ensuring a flawless presentation on parade.
Reverse: Marked GAUNT LONDON.
Circa: Mid to Late 20th Century
Notes:
Officially raised on October 16, 1953, by order of the Canadian government, the regiment was created to provide Canada with its own dedicated household infantry brigade similar to the iconic Foot Guards of the British Army. Comprising four regular battalions at its peak, the regiment proudly took over senior guard duties at Rideau Hall and Parliament Hill, establishing the world-famous tradition of the Changing the Guard in Ottawa. Members were instantly recognizable by their striking ceremonial uniforms, which featured scarlet tunics and tall bearskin caps decorated with a distinct white over light blue plume on the left side. Reflecting their senior regular infantry status, their button layout down the front of the tunic was uniquely spaced in single, evenly placed intervals to distinguish them from other household units.
Beyond their magnificent parade precision, The Canadian Guards were highly trained, battle-ready mechanised infantry soldiers. Elements of the regiment deployed dynamically on vital global assignments, including peacekeeping missions under the United Nations flag in Cyprus and structural NATO defensive deployments across West Germany. However, following massive structural reorganizations and budget cutbacks within the Canadian military, the regiment was sadly reduced to zero strength and its active battalions were permanently disbanded or reassigned in 1970. Their cherished history and battle honors are permanently preserved today by the Governor General's Foot Guards, leaving behind a profound legacy of dedicated service to the Canadian Crown.