Help ID this button?

[westers]

Originally posted this in Civil War forum. Should have posted it here.

I found this in an area with CW, Colonial, and Cherokee history... Note that it appears to be a six pointed star inside a seven pointed star. Any help identifying this button is greatly appreciated.

Thanks, all.

-Will

 

[flinthunter]

A clear close-up picture of the back and any markings on it should help determine the time period of this button. That might make it easier to identify.

 

[westers]

Thanks, Flint. Great idea... will add pic this weekend. No discernible markings on back, though.

 

[flinthunter]

Even though there may not be any markings, the material used (brass, steel, etc.) for the back can help, also the eyelet or other type of clothing attachment is also an indicator of its use.

 

[brianc577]

Cherokee button maybe?

 

[sawmill]

The seven point star is a symbol of the Cherokee Nation,and was even used on their tribal
seal in 1839. I can't really tell from the photo,but with a little cleaning,the center star could
also be a seven point.

 

[sawmill]

I should have pointed out that,the seven points,are for each of the seven clans of Cherokee.
There was several Cherokee units involved in the Civil War,most were Confederate,and it is
possible your button was from one of those groups. Also the Cherokee Nation had their own
police force years before the war,so that is another place to research. The Cherokee were
fighting as allies,and had their own tweaks ,to their uniforms,buttons,and related items.