Military Button Identification Help

[mapper65]

I found this last weekend in an area that is rich in military history here in PA. Anyone an expert on these buttons? I've spent a lot of time browsing pictures on Google and I've found some that are close but not exactly like it. The shank on the back is more square than round.

 

[Aarong81]

Is there any info on the back? Picture of the back may help. I found some similar but no matches. Although this one is not the same, it is a similar design with an anchor and the info for it states....

Looks like English/Canadian merchant marine service

 

[Larry (IL)]

If there is no information on the reverse, it could be a modern blazer button, It doesn't look to be too old. What is it make from and a picture of the back would help as well as the size.

 

[mapper65]

Sorry this isn't very clear but I'd say that this is pretty old.

The diameter is very slightly smaller than a penny.

 

[Larry (IL)]

That sure changes my opinion, the front is pristine compared to the back. I think we are in the mid 1800's. It looks like a heavy gold plate over brass with an iron back. The hunt is on.

 

[mapper65]

I can't find any examples of this button anywhere online. Notice that anything close to this has an anchor on it and this one does not have an anchor. Also, the shank appears to be cast instead of a hoop.

 

[Ism]

Iron back is generally found on civilian buttons.

 

[yowow#1]

I have found 40's-50's blazer buttons that were nice on the front and the iron backs were toasted. very similar condition to that one.