HILL. Crested livery button of Viscount Hill, silver plated 26mm

A good silver plated 26mm button of  Viscount Hill with the Hill crest of a tower surmounted by a garland of laurel beneath a viscount’s coronet. The backmark is FIRMIN, 13 CONDUIT STREET, LONDON. This probably dates from the time of the 3rd or 4th viscount. The title was originally awarded in 1842 to Rowland Hill [1772-1842] who was first raised to the Peerage as Baron Hill of Almarez & Hawkestone in 1814 after his distinguished service in the Peninsula as one of Wellington’s Generals. He did not marry and the title passed to a nephew.   jan27/3