Any military button experts out there?

[coinspader]

I had the little Whites Classic 3 plus out today working the naily area's of the old park and I came across this target about 5 inches down, it is a small military cuff button but I am not a button expert so I don't know how old it might be, I am sure somebody on this forum would know.

 

[Odanscoils]

I'd be happy with any old military buttons.
Congratulations

 

[jim tn]

I'm not an expert, but I think you have an old one there. What does the back look like and can you see any writing....mfg name, along the backs edge? Good find! HH jim tn

 

[fwcrawford]

Looks like a one piece cast button.
My guess is it is pre civil war!!
Nice find!!!

 

[coinspader]

It was a 2 piece button but the back was gone, the only material left on the back of the button was some rusty bits.

 

[fwcrawford]

It must have had an iron back on it instead of brass.

 

[tvr]

The old treasure depot had a very good button reference; too bad that is gone.
Here is something that might get you a little info; appears to be army and newer than 1902 (but I'm no expert, so don't hold me to that):

US Uniform Buttons : Inkspotantiques.com : Inkspot Antiques and Collectibles, An eclectic assortment of antiques and collectibles

Inkspotantiques.com : Inkspot Antiques and Collectibles : US Uniform Buttons - Bottles Maps Buttons Ceramics & Porcelain Dinnerware Replacements Natural History Books & Magazines World Coins & Medals Toys Tobacciana Artwork Silver and Silverplate Marbles US Coins & Medals Christmas Decorations...

inkspotantiques.com

 

[fyrffytr1]

I think it is a U S Army "Great Seal" button. They were first issued in 1902. It looks like yours had a raised rim so that would date it no earlier than 1910 ehwn the rim was added. If it has a rounded rim it would date 1910-1927. If the rim is more angular it would date post 1927. These buttons are still in use today. Without a backmark it will be very hard to narrow the time period down further.

 

[coinspader]

I was wondering if the 6 dots above the eagles head had any meaning to them.

 

[fwcrawford]

I was wondering if the 6 dots above the eagles head had any meaning to them.

That is what I find odd too…
I found a great seal button yesterday and have several others that I have found over the years, but none of mine look like that.

 

[Draco]

I am not an expert in buttons, although I have a certain facility to appreciate small details.
I think what sets this button apart from other buttons is the sequence of dots and/or stars above the eagle's head. In this case from top to bottom: 2-4-4-2 (at least, that's what I see in the photo)
I think that is the key to identify it correctly. I'm sorry I can't give more details without having the button in my hands.

 

[Draco]

I was wondering if the 6 dots above the eagles head had any meaning to them.

Actually, I see 12 points/stars

 

[coinspader]

I think you are right about how many dots there are.

 

[fwcrawford]

Here is the one I found yesterday.
That design at the top looks much different to me.

 

[Draco]

Yes, it is different. In that case, you have a circle of stars surrounding another group of stars. Very similar to this one. World War II button

 

[2 Much Trash]

Possibly some type of antique blazer button

 

[fyrffytr1]

Both buttons that have been posted are too corroded to show the correct detail Here is a picture of the 1902-10 style, 1910-1927 style and post 1927 style. The last one is a black finished button that dates from 1910-1923. Some of the black has worn off.

 

[fyrffytr1]

Possibly some type of antique blazer button

What size is it?

 

[coinspader]

It is a cuff button, smaller than a dime

 

[coinspader]

Well I showed this button to my brother in-law, he has been buying and selling militaria for 40 years and he couldn't identify it.