Material: Gilt brass
Size: 20 mm
Description: This striking academic collectible features the official crest of King William's College proudly struck into a domed, convex brass face. The central shield is divided, showing the bishop's mitre and traditional symbols of the diocese alongside a stylized crest, all resting beneath a grand crown. Encircling the heraldry is the crisp, raised legend "KING WILLIAM'S COLLEGE • ISLE OF MAN", which gives way at the base to the founding year of 1668.
Circa: Early to mid 20th Century
Notes:
While the college itself opened its doors to students in 1833, the prominent "1668" date stamped onto the button commemorates the historic year Bishop Isaac Barrow established the trust and estates that would eventually fund the school's construction. This uniform piece is highly prized for its reverse backmark, which reads "J.R. GAUNT & SON LTD LONDON ENGD", a mark used by the renowned Birmingham and London button makers during their peak era of supplying bespoke hardware to elite military units and private livery institutions. Because the school recently updated its historic grey blazers to a modern layout, vintage brass livery hardware featuring the traditional struck coat of arms has become an increasingly scarce find for both Manx history enthusiasts and worldwide uniform collectors.