5th Northumberland Fusiliers Regt of Foot, officer’s gilt 17mm

5th Regt of Foot Northumberland Fusiliers.  An example of the Officer’s gilt 17mm button showing the regiment’s traditional badge of St George & the Dragon above the regiment’s number but as v in Roman numerals.  The backmark is JENNENS LONDON. This pattern was worn only from 1855 to 1856 on the double breasted tunic after which St, George faced only left on the single breasted tunic. The regiment became the 1st & 2nd Bns. The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers after 1881. There are other versions of this button with an Arabic 5. Although not very worn this button does not retain most of the original gilt finish. jun19/1

Literature: Ripley: Buttons of the Regular Army 1855-2000 Illutration 115 [with a 5]