WWI era 'New Pioneer Equipment Protector' brass button sticks

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F. Narborough

1918

Overview

World War One era 'New Pioneer Equipment Protector' button stick made from solid stamped sheet brass. It features a number of cut outs and slots designed to allow it to be used to polish up the brass work on the 1908 pattern webbing that was in service at the time.
Circular punch-outs accommodate the uniform's press studs, while the central horizontal slot receives standard shank buttons.
The top hook is stamped with 'PAT. 128438' to identify the official United Kingdom design patent. The central shield is embossed with the branding name 'THE 'NEW PIONEER''. The lower section is clearly stamped with the item's purpose, reading "EQUIPMENT PROTECTOR", followed by specialised alignment indicators detailing its compatibility with '1 INCH', '2 INCH', and '3 INCH' webbing straps.
Along the bottom edge are two registration numbers and the maker's details.

Historical information

During World War One, soldiers were required to maintain pristine uniforms, which included keeping all brass uniform buttons, cap badges, and belt components highly polished. However, liquid chemical polishes like Brasso could easily stain, discolour, or rot the wool or khaki fabric of the tunic if it touched the cloth.
Brass button sticks (also referred to as a button brasses or button cleaning guards) served as a protective physical shield between the metal hardware and the uniform fabric. With the fabric completely blanketed underneath the brass plate, the soldier could vigorously apply polish and buff the buttons clean without any risk of transferring residue onto the tunic.

The design of this particular clothing protector was first patented during 1918 and replaced the ‘Pioneer’ Equipment protector that had been sold to soldiers during World War One. It was made by the well-known silversmith Frederick Narborough of Birmingham.
It was not a War Office issue item, but was readily available from retailers for private purchase.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-119-RoW01000

Item type

Accessories

Collectibles

Ephemera

Objects

Personal Effects

Uniforms

Themes

War and Conflict