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Button dating
There is very little information to be accessed in one place to help anyone interested in dating their militia or
other regimental buttons. I hope this site will be a good starting point and if viewers have further information
and would like to share it, please email me at dp@dalecot.com
Back Markings
J Nutting, engraved in 18thC as “I. Nutting” (I = Joseph). Joseph Nutting of King Street, Covent Garden, was
recorded in a Court Judgement from the Old Bailey in 1779.
A Directory for 1783 shows it housed the partnership of Clow and Nutting, King Street, Covent Garden.
By the time of a 1791 directory, it was Joseph Nutting “army button maker”. The “J” was shown in the Roman
form of “I” on the backs of the buttons.
By 1802 it had become Nutting & Son, King Street, Covent Garden.
In the 1820s some directories show “Nutting & Son” while others show “John George Nutting”.
“I Nutting” are pre-c1802 and those buttons showing “Nutting & Son” post-c1802.
S. Firmin, Strand 1771-1780.
P&S Firmin, 153 Strand London appears in 1839 and
continues to c.1848/9.
In 1850 the firm has become Firmin & Son.