Posted 3 years ago
Kernewek
(2 items)
I have also found this in my late grandfathers collection of war and such things. I think it may have a US connection but not sure. Can anyone advise. Many thanks
It says ‘Extra Quality’ on the back.
May have a US connection? | ||
| Kernewek's items1 of 2 |  | |
Looked English to me...and not an eagle
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-livery-button-fierce-griffins-132466025
https://sites.google.com/site/liverybuttonsidentified/home/griffin
Thank you, that is really helpful. I am completely new to this but find it really interesting.
I agree, it's very likely to be a livery button. This is one I found on Pinterest that is similar, although the sprig of leaves in the mouth of this griffin (or gryphon) is different from the oak leaves yours has:
https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/241998179949923876/
Etsy currently has several examples of griffon/gryphon livery buttons, although none exactly like yours:
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/899200570/antique-livery-button-set-to-the-godsell
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/813165555/antique-silver-plate-livery-button-to
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/673221270/late-1800s-large-livery-button-firmin
The one thing that makes me wonder about its origin, though, is the "EXTRA QUALITY" on the back. Based only on a quick perusal, I couldn't find any British livery buttons that have that on the back; but I did find "EXTRA QUALITY" stamped on the back of some American Civil-war era militia buttons (albeit in a very different font!). So I'm wondering if there's any possibility this might be an American livery button, if there is such a thing.
P.S. This document may be of interest:
https://fashiondocbox.com/Jewelry/68019707-An-illustrated-revision-of-the-livery-button-classification.html
Thank you for such useful information.