Honourable Artillery Company, white metal circa 1914 18mm

An Edwardian 18mm white metal button of the Honourable Artillery Company, H.A.C., with the backmark HOBSON & SONS. The button has a king’s crown and probably dates from before 1908. The design is almost identical to that of the Grenadier Guards but is in white metal because of the volunteer status of this ancient and superior unit which fires royal salutes from the Tower of London and has the distinction of being the oldest regiment in the British Army, incorporated in 1537 by Henry VIII.    aug30/1