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