78th Highlanders, (Ross-shire Buffs), officer’s gilt 25mm 1855-81.

An example of the 78th Highlanders (Ross-shire Buffs) 25mm size gilt button as worn on officer’s tunics from 1855 to 1881 when the 78th became the 2nd Bn. The Seaforth Highlanders. The button, which has the backmark JENNENS & Co. LONDON displays the elephant of the battle honour Assaye with the other honours Maida & Java. The button retains a good amount of the full original gilt finish with just some rubbing on the high points of the elephant and the crown. aug16/1

A favourite button of mine. I love the way the crown sits like a howdah on the elephant’s back whereas on later regimental buttons a small howdah is shown.