[davidwyke]

Hi Donny

Nice buttons! As you say, one is QVC (pre 1902) and the other is KC (post 1902).

The crossed swords trade mark was definately used by Buttons Ltd, formed in 1907. Unfortunately, I don't know if it was used by any other company prior to that but obviously your buttons suggest that it was.

Thomas Carlyle Ltd was still a button manufacturer until at least the late 1890's.

Hope this is of some help although I realise it doesn't really answer your question!

David


Donny - further to the above, some sources say Buttons Ltd was formed in 1908. Either way, they operated two separate factories in Birmingham. The largest of these had been the premises of Thomas Carlyle. The company was in business until 1959.
Perhaps Buttons Ltd did adopt the trademark previously used by Carlyle, but I don't know. Maybe someone else does?