This British military button was used by the armed forces from 1902 to 1952 belonging to the period of King Edward VII, King George V, King Edward VIII, and King George VI. This 50-year span includes two major world wars and significant changes in military uniform design and insignia.

Common features of British military buttons during this period included materials typically made from brass or bronze. During wartime, especially in WWII, some buttons were crafted from substitutes like horn, plastic, or Bakelite due to metal shortages. The designs of British military buttons generally featured the monarch's cypher (Edward VII, George V, or George VI) alongside a crown (the "King's crown" or "Tudor crown"). They were often adorned with regimental symbols for different units, such as the lion and crown for the Royal Army or anchors for the Royal Navy.

Buttons evolved to reflect the reigning monarch: Edward VII's buttons bore the cypher "E VII R," while George V's featured "G V R," and George VI's displayed "G VI R." For example, a British Army uniform from World War II would have buttons with George VI's cypher, while earlier uniforms from the Boer War might have had buttons featuring Edward VII's cypher. Specific regiments, such as the Royal Artillery, had unique buttons displaying symbols associated with their history, alongside the monarch’s royal insignia.

Overall, these buttons were integral to a soldier's service dress, ceremonial dress, or battle dress, reflecting the evolving military traditions and the monarchy’s influence over the first half of the 20th century.