JR Gaunt & Son

The firm of JR Gaunt & Son was established in 1884 when john Richard Gaunt and his eldest son, Charles Frederick, left their employment with the long established London military buttonmakers Firmin & Sons to set up on their own. The firm, originally based at the intersection of Clifford Street and Furnace Lane in the Birmingham district of Lozells, prospered and began to supply badges and buttons to uniformed organisations all over the World. By 1895 the business had moved to the city's Warstone Parade; four years later it was incorporated as a limited company and by 1905 had opened a London office in Conduit Street. After the First World War they purchased a number of other insignia manufacturers, including in 1924 Jennens & Co Ltd, the prestigious family firm of royal button and military ornament makers founded in London in the early years of the 19th century and whose buttons were made at the Jennens-owned Deritend Button Works. With the acquisition of the Jennens business Gaunts moved their London base to Warwick Street. Gaunt was purchased by Firmin & Sons in 1991.

J R Gaunt & Son Birmingham (1870-1973)

J R Gaunt & Sons London (1884-1899, but also used well after this date)

J R Gaunt & Sons LTD London (1899-1991)

J R Gaunt & Sons LTD London ENG (1899-1991)

J R Gaunt & Sons LTD London ENGLD (1899-1991)

J R Gaunt & Sons LTD London England (1899-1991)

J R Gaunt & Sons LTD NY & London (after 1900)

J R Gaunt & Sons Montreal (dates ?)

J R Gaunt & Son LTD Montreal Made in England (c.1901-c.1939?)

J R Gaunt & Son LTD Montreal (c.1914-c.1939)

J R Gaunt & Sons LTD Late Jennens London (1940-1948)

Gaunt London (1950's/60's on)

Gaunt London Eng (1950's/60's on)

J R Gaunt & Sons purchased by Firmin and Sons, Ltd.(1991)