English: A complete cast copper-alloy militia button dating to the Early Modern period, c. 1803-1813, probably for the Ouse and Derwent (East Yorks) volunteers. The button is convex in profile, with a circular front and bent shank projecting from its dished rear, where there is also the remnants of an incredibly worn backmark (now illegible). The front of the button is decorated with a crown, under which are the letters 'O & D/V' (Ouse and Derwent Volunteers). Preserved in worn condition, with a shiny greenish patina, it measures 20.50mm in diameter, 4.71mm thick at the shank, and weighs 3.24g.

Local auxiliary volunteer units were first raised in 1794 under the threat of French invasion, with the number increasing after c. 1803. They were themselves disbanded in 1813, though many members chose to continue their service in local militia units, who themselves were disbanded in 1816. Records show that the Ouse & Derwent (East Yorks) commission date is shown as the 5th of September 1803, comprising of 6 Companies, a total strength of 360 men under commanding officers Lt Col Commandant Richard Thompson, and Lt-Col. Charles Blois. By 1807 one of the Captains, Sir Thomas Clarges, Baronet, had become the CO. This button differs in design from the two other recorded examples (see UKDFD 19296 and 52733) though seeing as no other known volunteer unit bears these initials it seems reasonable to ascribe it to this unit.