General Service Belt Buckle & Button British Army.

[mick3272]

Greetings.
Is anyone able to shed some light on the issue date of the above two items. I am trying to establish when the GS Belt Buckle came into common use in the British Army. The image below shows one with a Victorian Crown. The Button at the bottom also shows a Victorian Crown. I am led to believe that the Buttons were issued along with the Khaki Field Service Dress, Is it safe to assume the belt buckles were issued at the same time.
I have seen Officers Belt buckles for various Regiments 1881 -1914. very ornate they are too. but other ranks are more scarce.

Thanks for any help.
Mick

 

[Viking Bob]

Mick,
This is from soldiers accoutrements of the British Army, 1750-1900 by P Turner.
Valise equipment 1870. The universal locket came into being in 1870 (LoC 2021) although many regiments preferred to keep the old regimental pattern. As for the button, no idea. Hope this helps

 

[mick3272]

Mick,
This is from soldiers accoutrements of the British Army, 1750-1900 by P Turner.
Valise equipment 1870. The universal locket came into being in 1870 (LoC 2021) although many regiments preferred to keep the old regimental pattern. As for the button, no idea. Hope this helps

Thanks Bob.
You can find a shed load of info on Officers kit who kept Regimental Buttons & Buckles. but as for other ranks a little more scarce.
I would assume after the 1881 reforms with amalgamation jealousy between regiments the universal buckle & button were a god send.
Thanks Bob Great help
Mick

 

[valiant]

After the 1881 reforms, the pattern of the buckle altered slightly, with the loss of the Reg number. The style of buckle above first appeared when the bayonet was moved from a shoulder belt to a waist belt around 1854-ish. Hope this helps

 

[mick3272]

After the 1881 reforms, the pattern of the buckle altered slightly, with the loss of the Reg number. The style of buckle above first appeared when the bayonet was moved from a shoulder belt to a waist belt around 1854-ish. Hope this helps

Hi Steve.
Its not the design of the buckle yes your right it came in with the belt and tunic after the crimean war.
I was asking when did the universal centre piece come into use ie Crown with the lion above as opposed to a regimental Number pre 1881 and a regimental crest post 1881.

Mick

 

[Viking Bob]

Hope this helps

 

[Viking Bob]

 

[mick3272]

Thats Great Bob,
Does it mention anything else after the 1881 reform. I think of thetop of my head the Dress regs of 1883/4?

Mick

 

[valiant]

Cheers Mick - I think it would be safe to say that is was about the time of the Cardwell Reforms, when the facing colours were dropped in favour of white for line infantry, blue for Scottish regts, as a form of uniformity, maybe..

 

[mick3272]

Cheers Mick - I think it would be safe to say that is was about the time of the Cardwell Reforms, when the facing colours were dropped in favour of white for line infantry, blue for Scottish regts, as a form of uniformity, maybe..

Hi Steve
Thanks PM on way.

 

[valiant]

Thanks Mick - hope my confusion clears up soon !!

 

[martin tabony]

Have you asked on the Victorian wars forum?

 

[mick3272]

Have you asked on the Victorian wars forum?

Thanks Martin.
I think Bob as answered my question. The plate above and Information tells me all I wanted to know.
Mick