Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum > Records

Royal Australian Navy Large Gilt Button

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Smith & Wright Ltd

c. 1911 - 1918

Overview

Large gilt button showing rope circlet approved for officers. The navy insignia is shown on the front, and the makers name is shown on the back. The button has a metal shank on the back and attached to that a metal R-grip.

Historical information

This is an example of buttons introduced for use by the Australian Navy following the granting of the 'Royal' title in 1911. The gilt button with rope circlet was approved for officers. The tilted anchor is often referred to as a 'lazy' anchor and was replaced in 1928. The button was worn by Roy Parsons. When war broke out in 1914, Roy joined the Royal Australian Navy as a Midshipman on board the HMAS Pioneer. He completed the war aboard the HMAS Encounter where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander (LCDR).
The manufacturer of the button were Smith & Wright Ltd Birmingham UK button makers. The company was formed in 1838 and were well known for their military and other uniform buttons. They merged with the Firmin Group in 1969 who still exist today.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-12-2017.29.4

Item type

Uniforms

Themes

Defence > Navy
War and Conflict > World War 1

Material

Brass

Gilt

Width

24 mm

Height or length

24 mm

Depth

11 mm

Weight

6 g

Inscriptions and markings

On the front the button is circled in a rope design with the words “ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY” circle within the rope. Within this are the Crown and tilted anchor. On the back is a slighted indented from the edge of the button circle the words “SMITH & WRIGHT LTD - B’HAM -”

Keywords

1st World War

Royal Australian Navy

First World War

Button

Place made

Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom

Year

c. 1911 - 1918

Primary significance criteria

Artistic or aesthetic significance

Historic significance