Button worn on the uniform of the shipping company - Federal Steam Navigation Company. Gilt brass domed button with rope twist outer border and raised inner border. Two rectangular flags. On the right side, is the flag of the New Zealand Shipping Company. A white (indicated by no shading) rectangular flag with a red (indicated by vertical shading) cross overall and raised initials ‘ N Z S Co.’ in the quarters. On the left side, is the flag of the Federal Steam Navigation Company. A white (indicated by no shading) rectangular flag with a red (indicated by vertical shading) cross overall and a blue (indicated by horizontal shading) rectangle in the centre placed over the cross. Both flags are present on this button because the New Zealand Shipping Company acquired the Federal Steam Navigation Company in 1912.
On the reverse of the button the maker is inscribed 'FIRMIN LONDON'.