Birmingham manufacturer supplied Duke for 65 years

Birmingham's oldest manufacturer is mourning the loss of the Duke of Edinburgh - after supplying HRH for a marathon 65 years.

Firmin and Sons Ltd, founded in 1655 and the UK's oldest privately-owned business, has held a Royal Warrant to supply the Duke and his household with badges, buttons and insignia for around 30 years.

The Newtown company 's flag has been flying at half mast to mark the death last Friday of the 99 year-old Duke, who has proudly donned the Birmingham firm's historic products for military pageants and other Royal engagements since 1956.

The firm, whose buttons and badges have also brought a colourful dash to Waterloo, the Charge of the Light Brigade, Trafalgar and Rorke's Drift as well as the 2012 Olympics and the weddings of Princes William and Harry, is the only firm in the city to hold the Duke's Warrant - and one of just 35 nationwide.

Senior sales manager Tony Kelly said: "We are saddened because we are the only one in the city and one of only 35 companies in the country that holds the Warrant to the Duke's household compared to 800 holding the Queen's Warrant.

"We have held it for more than 30 years but we have supplied him for much longer than that. He would have worn our buttons and badges and every time he wore his uniform or a blazer it was a great advert for our trade and industry. We are very proud because it is a recognition of products of the very finest quality and exceptional service."

Mr Kelly said the Duke would have made the original decision to grant the Royal Warrant, which come up for renewal every five years. "I remember because it was me who made the original application. It is not a civil service decision, it would be his decision in the first place - we have done a lot of work for the Duke."

Such is Firmin's reputation with the Royal Family, the Birmingham manufacturer is also already discreetly planning ahead for the funeral of the Queen and the subsequent Coronation.

It has been the proud possessor of a Royal Warrant since the 18th century and also boasts a vast range of other products, from busbies to gauntlets and medals to swords and scabbards.

The order book for the firm, part of the Kashket Group, has also included buttons for MCC members at Lord's, and products for staff at Claridges, the Dorchester and the Ritz, along with many other prestigious customers.

Pictured: One of the badges produced by Firmin & Sons