Canadian Militia Artillery Button, Queen Victoria Crown (23mm)

A regulation-pattern Canadian Militia Artillery button dating from around the mid-19th century to 1901, bearing the Queen Victoria Crown (QVC), used by artillery units across the pre-Confederation and early post-Confederation Canadian Militia.

Description

A classic Victorian-era artillery button featuring:

• Obverse: 3 cannons, surrounded by the text “CANADIAN MILITIA”, surmounded by the crown of Queen Victoria

• Backmark: Typically a maker’s or quality mark, though this may vary.

Approximate Specifications

• Diameter: 23 mm (standard large tunic/button size for artillery).

• Material: Brass

• Loose shank for sewing attachment.

Era & Usage

• Worn by members of the Canadian Militia Artillery from the mid-19th century—when militia units were restructured and the artillery began aligning with British uniform standards—through to the end of Queen Victoria’s reign in 1901.

• Seen on tunics, frock coats, and full-dress uniforms for both officers and enlisted men, depending on finish quality.

Condition

Good, retaining good detail on the artillery cannons, a clean, well-defined crown, intact shank and some age toning or patina consistent with 19th-century brass