Button, officer, 8th Madras Native Infantry, 1840s

Large gilt button made by Firmin and Sons, London, with the unit's regimental number, in Roman numerals, in a circlet bearing the battle honours, 'Assaye' and 'Seringapatam', surmounted by an elephant and crown.

The 8th Regiment of Madras Infantry was originally raised as the 9th Battalion of Coast Sepoys in 1759. The unit's battle honours 'Seringapatam' and 'Assaye' relate to battles in the 4th Mysore War (1799) and the 2nd Maratha War (1803-1805) respectively. The unit was named the 8th Regiment of Madras Native Infantry in 1824, losing the term 'Native' from its title in 1885, and disbanding in 1902.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.