Military button?

[JamesBondaka]

Anyone know anything about this one? Appears to be brass and approx 1.5 inches in size. Has Waterbury button company on back.

thanks!

 

[Jim West Pa]

Vintage to modern day.
About a $5 button in good shape.

 

[JamesBondaka]

Thanks Jim for the info!

 

[Jim West Pa]

n/t

 

[fyrffytr1]

I would be interested in the backmark on your Great Seal button. They have been in use since 1902. The backmark could help date your button.

 

[JamesBondaka]

Are you asking what the back looks like? or what is says? or both?

 

[fyrffytr1]

I am interested in the wording on the back. A picture would also be nice. A friend of mine is compiling a list of Great Seal backmarks and yours may be one he doesn't have.

 

[JamesBondaka]

Ok pic will come soon but it says on back....

Waterbury Button Co. Conn. has dots stamped around the button also in two columns that is it....it does seem like its a older button as some newer ones Ive now seen, dont look as well built and different style but I am no expert

 

[fyrffytr1]

According to my friend's list that backmark puts your button pre 1965. It could go back as far as 1902 as that backmark was in use from 1849-1965. Also, he already has that one listed so I won't need a picture. Thank you for offering one.

 

[JamesBondaka]

Thanks for the info! Wow thats a big spread....I will put one up anyway and see if anyone has any idea....Ive found some pretty old stuff at this site. More to come!

 

[JamesBondaka]

Here is a new reverse pic......does that help to narrow it down?

 

[407floyd]

If this is a Civil War Era button, and the way the shank is attached it may well be, it's definitely a federal/union army button.

 

[JamesBondaka]

Floyd,

Thanks for the info...can you tell me how you arrived at this? Ive heard many opinions to date and dont know which is the most accurate.

Thanks again!

 

[Larry (IL)]

It is a General services coat button used from 1902 to present. Google military buttons......tons of info.

 

[407floyd]

During the Civil War period, the shank was attached to the back of the button as if it were brazed or welded. Some time after the war, the shank and back were two-piece. The shank came out through a hole in the back.

 

[JamesBondaka]

Thanks Larry for the info! I will check that out.

Floyd as you can see.....Ive gotten mixed views of the approx date. Does it appear to you to be as you said or how can I help you truly identify it?

 

[407floyd]

This should be the eagle style on a Civil War Era general service button so you can rule that out. The shank is probably sticking through a hole in the back of the button instead of brazed.

 

[JamesBondaka]

Yes, your button looks like that era....

Mine looks newer than that one,,,,however upon close examination the button shank appears to welded to the button... and is not just sticking thru a hole.

Does that help narrow it down?

 

[407floyd]

I found a book "Survey of U.S. Army Uniforms, Weapons, and Accoutrements" by David Cole that shows a change in the eagle style on general service buttons from the Civil War style in 1885. This style lasted until 1902 when the army changed every part of the uniform. This is when the Great Seal button design that you found came into service. No matter what the shank design is, this button must be later than 1902. I haven't found an exact date for Waterbury Button Co. Conn. back marks. This has been enlightening for me to research your button.

 

[JamesBondaka]

Floyd,

All what you say makes sense to me and is reasonable. Maybe you will be sucessful in figuring this one out.

Thanks again!