Gold-coloured button dated 1782 with crown above a shamrock

[bigjerryok]

Any ideas what it is? Found in Ireland.

 

[johnnyi]

perhaps Belfast Volunteers? Post picture please.

 

[baspinall]

Like this?

Brass Vintage British Uniform Button Crown Thistle Clover Shamrock Rose Flower | eBay

 

[johnnyi]

Hi Baspinall. No, I actually couldn't find a photo, only reference to the Irish volunteers, specifically Belfast volunteers "1782 over shamrock". It's only a mention of 18th century uniform buttons with that date, although there is a picture somewhere of that date over a bunch of shamrocks. I guess seeing a picture of what was found might tell if this is a wild goose chase.

 

[bigjerryok]

Thanks, guys. Pic attached. Crown on top, date across clearly says 1782, then a shamrock below.

 

[johnnyi]

Hello Bigjerry. Actually that is a clover, not a shamrock. Are there markings on the back? Is the button one piece or is it hollow? Thanks

 

[Iron Patch]

View attachment 1047530 Thanks, guys. Pic attached. Crown on top, date across clearly says 1782, then a shamrock below.

From reading this, and seeing your button, I think the two choices are patriotic civilian, or 1790s military. Nice button that helps tell a story no matter what it is.

Irish Volunteers (18th century) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[bigjerryok]

Thanks, guys. Nothing on the back that I can see, and it's a one piece. The (broken) link on the back is off centre if that means anything. Yeah, I thought it might be clover, but given I found it in Ireland, I went for the shamrock. Still a mystery! Not sure about the Irish Volunteers angle - my intuitive take is that it celebrates the co-existance of the English (crown) and Irish (shamrock). The 1782 date is clearly important - maybe the button signifies Grattan's parliament?
Henry Grattan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia