Got these today and I need help to find out if they are civil war buttons or when they are from?
The back has this stamped on it .....HONSTMANN.......PHILA I might have the first name inncorrect but thats about the best I can do hope this helps you experts lol
Thanks and HH
Slipperyjack47
Update.... The spelling on the back is as follows * HORSTMANN * PHILA
I posted a very poor pic of the back but will get better ones taken and post them as soon as possible, I appreciate all the input
Those are called, around here, buzzard buttons. They came in in the early 1870s and were around until the great seal came in around 1905. Some call them Span-Am buttons. Notice that the wings point between 9 and 10 o'clock. The civil war era buttons had their wings pointing up at about 11 o'clock.
Yes and no. I might have a little more respect for a site if they bothered to spell button company names right.
When you look for correct ID's often times subtle nuances, like abbreviations, the number of feathers on wings make huge differences.
On this particular site, they have a consistant misspelling of Waterbury...they have Waturbury...(huge mistake when you want details).
"Those who love me will keep my word, and my father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." (John 14:23 NRSV)
With dozens of manufacturers and dozens of styles - The back mark is key.
They could well be post CW through 1898 (Indian War) or till 1902 when the Great Seal button was introduced. I have dozens of these type wings from my Indian War sites here in Montana... I have lots of other styles too though.
[size=14pt]BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART PHOTOS:[/size]
[size=14pt]https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ty-McMurray-Photography/190061817702845?ref=hl[/size]
I'm pretty sure it's a 1870-1893 backmark *HORSTMAN* PHILA
It appears to have the larger block letters that correspond to this period.
Is there a link that proves this ... JUST ASKING ... I collect button links ... I need this in my arsenal ...
Not everything is on the internet.
Here are two GREAT button books which I use regularly:
Record of American Uniform and Historical Buttons Bicentennial Edition by Alphaeus H. Albert
and
American Military Button Makers and Dealers; Their Backmarks and Dates by William F. McGuinn and Bruce S. Bazelon
"Long deemed the "bible" for American uniform button collectors, Alphaeus H. "Dewy" Albert’s Record of American Uniform and Historical Buttons (Bicentennial Edition) is a standard for enthusiasts. It was published by Boyertown Publishing Company of Boyertown, PA. This hardbound book, almost universally referred to as "Albert’s" or "Albert’s book," is heavily illustrated in black and white and offers an alphanumeric button referencing system that has been widely adopted by collectors. Albert’s references all types of American uniform buttons, military and otherwise, ranging from state seals, to Confederates, to military branches, to state militias, to governmental organizations. The book can be obtained from most Civil War book and relic dealers."
and
"American Military Button Makers and Dealers;Their Backmarks & Dates by William F. McGuinn and Bruce S. Bazelon is indispensible. This small hardback is absolutely packed with data on button manufacturers, dealers, military outfitters, and retailers. It lists hundreds of backmarks and boasts many fine photographs of button backs, dies, and button related memorabilia. It’s a true must for any collector and is well worth the modest price. The latest edition (1996) can be obtained directly from author McGuinn, and is usually stocked by Civil War book and relic dealers."
w
"Those who love me will keep my word, and my father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." (John 14:23 NRSV)
I justed wanted to say thanks to all for the great input. I truly respect your opinions and knowledge in this area and I am very satisfied that you are correct in the findings that the buttons are most likely post civil war. Here in Michigan its not often we come across any military type finds so even though its not from the great war I am still happy to have found these 2 wonderful specimens of a bygone era, they will find a place of honor among my other finds and again I thank the members here for all your great help.
I justed wanted to say thanks to all for the great input. I truly respect your opinions and knowledge in this area and I am very satisfied that you are correct in the findings that the buttons are most likely post civil war. Here in Michigan its not often we come across any military type finds so even though its not from the great war I am still happy to have found these 2 wonderful specimens of a bygone era, they will find a place of honor among my other finds and again I thank the members here for all your great help.
HH
Slipperyjack47
Good Job.!
Always treasure the things you find.
Lots of folks first reaction is,"what's it worth(?)" without ever taking the time to learn about things and try to figure out why they were there to begin with. Everything has a story.
Keep diggin, keep asking, keep living the good life.
w
"Those who love me will keep my word, and my father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." (John 14:23 NRSV)
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Yes I think NHBenz has the spelling correct. The buttons do have gold gilt on them too I can clearly see this. Thanks guys
Originally Posted by baspinall
