Skip to main content
Advanced Search
Royal Mariners Light Infantry button
Royal Mariners Light Infantry button

Royal Mariners Light Infantry button

Date1860-1932
Object number00056388
NameButton
MediumMetal
DimensionsOverall: 22 × 22 × 15 mm
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from Glenn Alfred Thorpe
DescriptionOne of thirteen merchant shipping, Royal Navy and miscellaneous buttons. Shipping companies represented include the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand Limited and the White Star Line. Part of a collection of objects assembled by Alfred Thorpe (c. 1852 – 1931) relating to his merchant and naval service career and association with Antarctic exploration while serving as pilot and harbour master at Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand. The collection is illustrative of the important role Lyttelton paid in Antarctic exploration in the early 20th century, as both the final major port vessels of exploration and their relief ships visited on their journey south, and also the first they put in at on their return. SignificanceThis collection of objects highlights the importance of the port of Lyttleton in early 20th century Antarctic exploration and the role of pilots and harbour masters in supporting the crews and vessels sailing south. The collection not only illustrates the professional relationship between port staff and ships’ crews, but also the high degree of mutual respect the association engendered. The close working association between mariners and key maritime roles, such as pilot and harbour master, is apparent in this collection.