Material: Black Horn
Diameter: 20 mm
Description: This button displays the distinctive fibrous grain and concentric lathe-turning grooves characteristic of early organic manufacturing methods. The reverse features a recessed center that cradles a robust brass wire lug shank, anchored into the water buffalo horn substrate to withstand heavy stress on thick service dress garments. Rather than a modern plastic mold seam, these circular cutting lines identify the piece as an authentic product of precision 19th-century button-turning machinery. The matte black coloration and non-reflective material directly honor the tactical doctrine of the 11th Middlesex (St George's) Rifle Volunteers, who purposefully avoided shiny red coats and reflective metal hardware to eliminate uniform glare during active field operations.
Circa: 1901-1908
Notes:
This piece is highly coveted by British military collectors because its distinct design isolates its production to a narrow seven-year window before the 1908 Haldane Reforms absorbed the regiment into the 9th Battalion, London Regiment (Queen Victoria's Rifles).