Victorian Silver-Plated Hunt Livery Button

Firmin & Sons, London – c. 1865–1876

A superb and  high-quality mid-Victorian silver-plated hunt livery button, produced by the renowned London button makers Firmin & Sons and bearing their pre-incorporation backmark “153 Strand, London”, firmly dating the piece to circa 1865–1876.

The button is of large livery size approximately 25mm across with a  dished back, copper-alloy reverse and a heavy, bright silver-plated face. The crest is applied in relief rather than stamped, indicating a commissioned, high-grade piece intended for senior household or hunt staff rather than general servant wear.

The front displays a finely modelled heraldic dexter arm embowed holding a purse. The object is clearly a purse, complete with drawstring and tassel details, a recognised heraldic charge traditionally associated with stewardship, trust, and wealth. This distinctive crest is strongly associated with Baker family arms, a name historically linked with prosperous merchant and landed families, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Firmin & Sons were among the foremost button manufacturers of the Victorian period, supplying livery, military and court buttons to elite households and institutions. The absence of “Ltd” in the backmark confirms manufacture prior to Firmin’s incorporation in 1876, making this button well over 140 years old.

A striking and historically evocative example of Victorian livery, combining exceptional workmanship, clear maker attribution, and an attractive heraldic design.