Material: Gilt brass, two-piece construction with fixed brass shank
Diameter: 25 mm
Description: This convex, die-stamped brass uniform button displays the official heraldic emblem of the British Royal Air Force, featuring a majestic eagle in full horizontal flight with wings outspread and its head turned sharply to the right. Positioned directly above the eagle is an incredibly detailed St. Edward’s Crown, which features prominent cross pattée arches and a microscopic blue enamel-filled central void representing the traditional velvet cap of estate. The 25mm gilded face is enclosed by a completely smooth, borderless rim and shows soft, localized handling tarnish across the recessed fields. The reverse construction is heavily stamped with the famous maker's mark "GAUNT LONDON", anchoring a fixed, heavy-gauge copper attachment shank cleanly centered on the backplate.
Circa: 1953-1960s
Notes:
Collectors must carefully check the physical weight and rims of all 25mm Gaunt-made air force buttons, as a small percentage were produced with top-secret left-handed threads. These rare World War II and early Cold War versions could be unscrewed to reveal a tiny, functional magnetic compass hidden inside the hollow body to aid downed pilots in escaping enemy territory.