68th (Durham) Regiment of Foot officer’s coatee button, dating from the early nineteenth century and associated with one of the British Army’s historic numbered infantry regiments. The 68th Regiment received the Durham county title in 1782 and retained this designation until 1808, when it was converted to light infantry and became the 68th (Durham) Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry). The regiment subsequently served with distinction during the Peninsular War, including the campaigns in Spain and Portugal, before becoming the 1st Battalion, Durham Light Infantry, in 1881.
Manufactured by Charles Jennens of London, this small 15mm gilt button is an officer’s coatee pattern, intended for the close-fitting uniform coat worn during the period. Jennens was an established London manufacturer of military and uniform buttons during the early nineteenth century, and surviving examples bearing the maker’s name are of particular interest to collectors of Georgian military buttons. Its small dimensions and early maker attribution make this an attractive example of pre-Victorian British regimental uniform insignia.
Dimensions: Approximately 15mm diameter.
Condition: Good, with notable wear to the gilt finish. Please refer to the photographs for details of the button’s design, gilt surface, maker’s mark and reverse fitting.
