A die-stamped two-piece uniform button of the Midland
Bank, originally with separate brazed/soldered shank, now missing;
circular; slightly convex front with raised rim; flat back; two conjoined
shields above the motto VIS UNITA FORTIOR (United Strength is Stronger),
all below a monogram of L J C & M B LTD (London Joint City &
Midland Bank Ltd); backmarked H & W TOWELL CO LTD LONDON. The Midland
Bank was founded as the Birmingham and Midland Bank in 1836, and
established a presence in London in 1891, when it acquired the Central
Bank of London. The button depicts the bank's own shield of arms (right)
and the shield of arms of the City of London (left). The name 'London
Joint City & Midland Bank Ltd' was used between 1918 and 1923. |