BEDFORD. Fine gilt livery button of the Russell family, Dukes of Bedford

BEDFORD. Fine gilt 27mm livery button of the Duke of Bedford showing the badge of the Duke, a goat, beneath a ducal coronet. The Russell family have held the dukedom since the mid 16th century and the family seat of Woburn Abbey was one of the first great stately houses to be opened to the public. This example probably dates from the late 19th century at the time of the 11th Duke, The button retains full original gilt and has the bakcmark FIRMIN & SONS LD, 47 WARWICK ST. REGENT ST. LONDON. jun1/3