77th (East Middlesex) Regt, of Foot. brass button, 25mm

77th (East Middlesex) The Duke of Cambridge’s Own Regiment of Foot. A button worn on the tunic from 1855 to 1881 when the regt. became the 2nd Bn. The Middlesex Regt. The button has the backmark PLAYER BROS. BIRMINGHAM. The design shows the Prince of Wales crest above the regimental number with the battle honour PENINSULA beneath, marking the regiment’s service in the Napoleonic Wars.  The back of this button has areas of of old solder suggesting that at some time the central part needed securing. The retractable shank still works perfectly and the front of the button is not affected.  jun22/1