Picture button Inns of Court. 2.5cm diameter. 1800s signed Firmin London.

This is a button showing a full-sized leprecorn-type figure. Button in excellent condition with the a rich gilt colour,..unused button with a fixed loop.
Inns of Court buttons are military uniform insignia from the Inns of Court Regiment, famously nicknamed “The Devil’s Own.” They typically depict a winged devil holding a trident, reflecting the regiment’s unique identity. Images of these buttons show intricate brass or gilt designs, often collected as historical artifacts. These were worn and awarded with pride for the identity of the regiment.
Victorian Brass Button – Devil‑Pixie with Fork – Firmin, London (c.1850–1870)
A richly struck mid‑Victorian character button from the workshops of Firmin, London.

A wonderfully expressive brass button featuring a lively devil‑pixie figure holding a small fork — one of the most charming and sought‑after motifs produced by Firmin in the mid‑19th century. The detail is beautifully crisp: deep relief, flowing lines, and that unmistakable Victorian sense of humour woven into a tiny wearable artwork.

The backmark reads FIRMIN • LONDON, the form used c.1840–1880, with the strongest production period around 1850–1870, before the firm adopted the later “Firmin & Sons” mark. Firmin were renowned suppliers of military, livery, and theatrical buttons, and their novelty designs from this era are now highly collectible.

The brass is a rich golden tone, warm and even, with the original shank intact and secure. A lovely survivor from the Victorian period — full of character, history, and charm.

Details

Maker: Firmin, London

Date: c.1850–1870

Material: Rich golden brass

Motif: Devil‑pixie with fork

Backmark: FIRMIN • LONDON

Condition: Crisp detail, warm patina, original shank

Size: 2.4cm diameter.

A beautiful example for collectors of Victorian buttons, character motifs, or Firmin’s early work. These seldom appear in such good condition.
⚔️ Background
The Inns of Court Regiment was a volunteer unit formed from lawyers and law students in London. King George III dubbed them “The Devil’s Own” when he learned they were composed entirely of lawyers.

Their buttons became iconic, featuring devilish imagery such as a winged demon or devil with a trident.

These designs symbolized their nickname and gave the regiment a distinctive identity compared to other British Army units.

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