1876-1883 indian war buttons?

[Johnnytrac]

ID requested of two buttons pictured. Eagle button is 14.65mm in dia. & elk button is 15.70mm in dia. "Eagle" backing-"Scovills & Co. Extra". "Elk" backing is rusted metal with faint lettering "extra". Found app. 30 ft. apart at a known indian wars cavalry campsite along with 45-70 casings without headstamps. Any assistances greatly appreciated.

 

[Blind Squirrel]

Howdy--

Sorry that I can't help you on the "Elk" button. Your Eagle Button, though, looks like a General Service Cuff and according to Albert's Button Book with that backmark was made between 1840 and 1850. Good finds!

Happy Hunting,
Blind Squirrel

 

[Johnnytrac]

Yo:

Thank you for the input on the eagle button-was finally able to track it down to a GS button but the info on it being a cuff button between 1840-1850 certainly adds a more personal touch to the find.

Tracked down a bit of info on the "elk" button which is really a "stag" button-aka: sporting button which was made in Birmingham, England in the 1800's by the Hammond Turner & Son button makers. These buttons were on the clothing worn by those who hunted fox with horse and hounds. Think-tally ho the fox!
Sporting buttons have pictures of fox, hounds, horses, stags, boars, game birds, etc. on them. How it arrived in western U.S. during this time period is definitely open to conjecture. Have heard that European nobility on occasion roamed the west seeking adventure.

Thanks again Blind Squirrel and to you all that moseyed by.

Johnnytrac

 

[Blind Squirrel]

Howdy--

I'm glad to have been able to help. That elk button is really a cool find and the research that you have done makes it that much better! It always floats my boat after making a recovery like that to imagine what the circumstances were that caused it to be lost. Best of luck and...

Happy Hunting!
Blind Squirrel