Material: White-Metal; brass
Size: 23mm
Description: This original, large-size uniform fastener was manufactured specifically for the Vancouver Fire Department in British Columbia, Canada. The face features a prominent, deeply embossed central inscription reading "FIRE" in bold, serif block letters. Arcing smoothly above this central text is the word "VANCOUVER", while the lower curved border mirrors it with the word "DEPARTMENT", creating a clean, balanced circular composition. The entire background is filled with a dense pattern of micro-ribbed horizontal lines enclosed by a raised, smooth outer rim. On the reverse side, the button is fitted with a sturdy integrated metal shank and bears a detailed, multi-part manufacturer backmark reading "J.R. GAUNT & SON LTD MONTREAL / MADE IN ENGLAND".
Circa: Early to Mid 20th Century
Notes:
This piece represents a fascinating chapter in Canadian municipal procurement, where major cities routinely contracted the world-renowned insignia firm J.R. Gaunt & Son of Birmingham, England, to produce high-grade civic hardware. The presence of "Montreal" on the reverse signifies that the order was funneled directly through Gaunt's Canadian branch office, which was established to manage lucrative contracts for Canadian military, police, and fire services.