Material: Horn
Diameter: 17mm
Description: This historical artifact is a small uniform button specifically designed for elite rifle and light infantry regiments of the British and Commonwealth forces. Molded from genuine dark animal horn, the face of the button features a finely lined, horizontally striated background that diffuses light. It showcases a highly detailed embossed insignia depicting a classic strung bugle horn, a traditional symbol synonymous with light fast-moving infantry units, which is elegantly surmounted by a prominent Tudor King's Crown. The dark material and non-reflective textures serve a critical utilitarian purpose, acting as an early form of combat camouflage to prevent battlefield reflections that would otherwise give away a scout's position.
Reverse: The reverse of this light infantry uniform button exposes a circular backmark configuration that confirms its manufacture by a legendary British industrial firm. Encircling the central wire attachment loop is the clearly stamped, raised lettering inscription reading "J GROVE & SONS • HALESOWEN •". The brass shank is neatly soldered or molded into the organic black horn body, showing a striking visual contrast between the golden-hued metal loop and the dark, textured horn plate. The concentric layout of the text is bordered by a distinct inner and outer circular rim, a typical stylistic trait of the mid-20th-century stamping dies used at the company's historical manufacturing facility in Worcestershire.
Circa: 1902-1952
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