33rd ( Duke of Wellington’s ) Regiment of Foot,brass 25mm, the scarce variant 1855-1881

A very good example of the scarce variant of  the 25mm button of the 33rd ( Duke of Wellington’s) Regiment of Foot of the pattern worn from 1855 to 1881 when it became the 1st Battalion The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment (West Riding). The 33rd assumed this title in 1852 after the Duke’s death. This example, which has the regimental title on a garter beneath a Victorian crown, has the backmark SMITH & WRTIGHT BIRMINGHAM and.varies from the standard pattern in having a circlewith the title rather than the garter.  Having discussed this pattern with several people more expert than I am, we are of the opinion that officers’ buttons wth this variation were not made. The Duke commanded the regiment as Lieut. Colonel Arthur Wellesley in its early campaaign in India.   jul20/4