WW1 British BEF 21st Lancers Officer’s Medium Size Button

The WW1 British BEF 21st Lancers Officer’s Medium Size Button is an original military uniform accessory from the period of the First World War. This domed, metal button features the distinctive regimental insignia of the 21st Lancers, a cavalry unit of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). The front displays crossed lances with pennons, surmounted by the regimental crown and number, all rendered in low relief. The reverse typically includes a maker’s mark, common among officer-grade insignia of the era, and a fixed shank for attachment. Officers’ buttons such as this one were manufactured to higher standards, often from gilt brass, distinguishing them from enlisted ranks’ versions. Medium size buttons were commonly used on tunics and dress uniforms, forming a key part of the overall presentation and regimental identity. This button represents a specific aspect of British military attire during WW1, reflecting both function and tradition within the 21st Lancers regiment.