*British, WW2, Reconnaissance Corps Uniform Button Set – 9 Brass Buttons – J.R. Gaunt & Son London – 1941–1946*
A scarce and attractive original World War II British Army Reconnaissance Corps uniform button grouping comprising a near-complete set of nine brass buttons. The lot consists of seven larger buttons measuring approximately 2.5cm and two smaller examples measuring approximately 2cm. The larger buttons retain maker marks for the renowned military outfitter J.R. Gaunt & Son, London, while the smaller buttons are simply stamped "Made in England", a common arrangement for period-produced matching uniform sets.
Each button displays the distinctive Reconnaissance Corps device featuring a stylised upright spear or pine-tree form with radiating angular branches above a curved title scroll reading "RECONNAISSANCE CORPS." The design is instantly recognisable and associated with one of Britain's shortest-lived but highly regarded wartime corps.
Approx. Measurements – Large buttons: 2.5cm diameter. Small buttons: 2cm diameter.
History Note: The Reconnaissance Corps was formed by the British Army in January 1941 during the Second World War. Its role was to act as the "eyes and ears" of infantry divisions, pushing ahead of the main force to gather tactical intelligence, identify enemy positions and maintain contact with advancing formations. Reconnaissance troops were expected to operate aggressively and independently, often moving beyond the safety of the main line to determine enemy strength and movements.
Initially raised from selected infantry battalions, Reconnaissance units quickly earned a formidable reputation for courage and initiative. Their unofficial motto became "The First In and the Last Out," reflecting the hazardous nature of their duties.
In 1946, following post-war army restructuring, the Reconnaissance Corps was absorbed into the Royal Armoured Corps, giving it a comparatively brief existence of only five years. As a result, original Reconnaissance Corps insignia and uniform components remain particularly desirable among British militaria collectors.
The presence of multiple matching J.R. Gaunt-marked examples suggests these formed part of a single service tunic set rather than being assembled from unrelated loose buttons.
*Condition* Good untouched original condition displaying attractive age patina throughout with period wear and oxidation consistent with service age. Maker marks remain visible to the reverse of the larger examples. One button retains remnants of original cloth thread to the shank, further supporting uniform removal rather than later assembly. Some scattered surface darkening and minor handling marks are present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
