Material: Chrome-plated brass, high-relief thistle design with loop shank
Diameter: 25 mm
Description: This is a domed, 25mm white metal button featuring the iconic Scottish Thistle in high relief. The design is characterized by a large, textured thistle bloom centered between two sweeping, serrated leaves that fill the entire face of the button. Unlike regimental issues which often include crowns, mottos, or stars (such as the Order of the Thistle star used by the Scots Guards), this pattern relies solely on the botanical emblem itself. The rim is borderless, allowing the leaves to extend toward the edges. The reverse is unmarked, consistent with pieces produced for commercial Highland outfitters rather than government military contracts.
Circa: 20th Century
Notes:
The thistle motif holds a legendary status in Scottish lore, tracing back to the 13th-century Battle of Largs where an invading Norse soldier reportedly stepped on a prickly thistle, crying out and alerting the sleeping Scottish defenders to a surprise attack. This particular 20mm specimen is categorized by militaria and livery enthusiasts as an "unmarked" variety, meaning the reverse side features a completely blank backplate lacking a maker's name or city stamp. Buttons of this design were widely utilized across Scotland for civilian highland dress jackets, private estate livery uniforms, and various regional pipe bands. Collectors evaluate these pieces based on the crispness of the leaf veins and the retention of the original silvering, as frequent polishing over the decades often wears down the highest points of the central flower head.