Button?

[Jeff in Pa]

I found this a few years back, looks to be hollow, crushed a bit and the backer broke off. What could have this been to and when might have it been made? Its about the size of a nickel.

BTW thats paint on the back, a few years ago it was laid down onto a shelf that had just been painted.

Thanks,

 

[Bell-Two]

It looks like a General Staff Officers Button I have a similar one from the Indian Wars Period yours may be earlier. I dug this one a few weeks ago in a field site, mine has a crease in it....but no paint on it

 

[Big Boys Hobbies]

Very cool whatever it is made of!

 

[C&RHunter]

Jeff, I looked through a couple of US military button books, and found this New York Militia button to be the best match to your button. (This information in the picture, is from "Uniform Buttons Of The United States 1776-1865".). I couldn't tell if there are stars along the top edge and the text along the bottom edge of your button. Most US Army buttons that I looked at, the eagles wing tips are up, not in a folded down position. I'm no button expert by any means, but, regardless, I think your button is a very nice find.......HH

 

[Jeff in Pa]

Thanks C&R. There are stars and the word "Excelsior".

Thanks,

 

[Goes4ever]

Definately NY militia, I have dug 3 exactly like that over past couple yrs