British Empire WW1 Soldier's Button

History of the Artifact

The version of the British soldier’s button from World War I that features a lion and a unicorn is associated with the General Service button, rather than any specific regiment. This button displayed the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom: a crowned shield flanked by a lion on the left and a unicorn on the right. The shield itself was quartered with the arms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the entire design symbolized the authority of the British monarch over the United Kingdom and its empire. Soldiers who were not assigned to a particular regiment or who were serving in non-regimental roles—such as administrative, training, or depot duties—wore uniforms with these General Service buttons.

The lion and unicorn imagery, drawn from centuries-old heraldic tradition, was meant to reflect unity, strength, and royal legitimacy. The lion represented England and power, while the unicorn, a symbol of Scotland, signified purity and strength restrained by a chain. To a soldier wearing such a button, the design connected his service directly to the broader ideals of the Empire and the Crown, rather than to a localized regimental history. These buttons were made of brass and required just as much polishing and care as any regimental button. After the war, General Service buttons, like regimental ones, were often kept as souvenirs by veterans or found their way into collections. Because they are tied to the general army rather than a specific unit, they are among the more commonly encountered British military buttons from the First World War today.

How do I know these are original WW1 Buttons?

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

What will my artifact look like?

Your WW1 British Button will look very similar to the one shown in the photos. There will always be some variety, given our items are unique historical pieces. If for whatever reason you get anything that does not fit this description you are entitled to your money back! 

Your order will include:

• One authentic WW1 British Soldier's Uniform Button, as pictured
• Elegant protective case for preservation and display of your artifact 
• Certificate of Authenticity

Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.