Great Seal Button Backmarks Help

[Bigcypresshunter]

I am assembling a list of US Army Great Seal button backmarks 1902-present.. This seems to be the most complete list available anywhere. With the help of TN members, I am occasionally adding and improving upon it. So far I have over 100 different backmarks. Anyone with a Great Seal button backmark or backmark variation not listed please post the pic and Ill add it. The thread is already so long its not necessary to add anything already pictured. Thanks.

This is how it all started:


I bought 2 bags of small Great Seal of US buttons for a buck at a flea market. Can someone help me date these backmarks? I believe they are all post 1902. I cant find anything else online.

1- Top row SCOVILL MF'G CO WATERBURY (back ungilted)
2- SCOVILL MF'G CO WATERBURY
3- Bottom CITY BUTTON WORKS - N.Y.
4- WATERBURY BUTTON CO.

 

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[fyrffytr1]

WHERE can I see this list?
Thanks!

As it was updated it was posted in the replies in this thread. I have found some more backmarks but haven't taken the time to post them. The latest list can be found on page 19.
If you get a copy of "American Military Button Makers; Their backmarks and Dates" by William F. McGuinn and Bruce S. Bazelon their is a list in the back of the book , but it is not complete.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

BigCy, I’m currently working on a book for relic IDs and I do have a section on great seal buttons. If you’d like I can include it as an appendix in the book, with credit to you. The book is in the layout phase now and being published by American Digger in 2024. Can you send me a copy of your list?

I do not have a list other than what is here on this thread. I have been busy and havent had any time to work on it or update it. You dont need to give me any credit. There may be some errors as it was a work in progress.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

There are many Great Seal button backmarks and some of them are rare. I had no idea there were so many. I have a tin of Great Seal buttons back in town and some that are not on this list but I dont have time to fool with it. Too many hobbies. Keep checking eBay the rare ones show up from time to time. I see they cut my profile avatar in half and made it out of focus lol, unless its my signal. I have a very weak internet signal here.

 

[etsmith]

• How about a C & C Metal C34 USA back mark?​

 

[BuckleBoy]

Yes I was including abbreviated cuff buttons and I probably should add cap buttons too but there are more Great Seal button backmarks and variations than I could ever have imagined and I have not been able to update the backmark list. I still have my collection but I spend most of my time in my camper in the swamp now with bad eyes and a weak internet signal and I have no objection if anyone wants to try and make an updated list. I just haven't had the time to spend on this project. I think Rockermike was working on a book. I wonder if it was ever published?

BigCy, I’m currently working on a book for relic IDs and I do have a section on great seal buttons. If you’d like I can include it as an appendix in the book, with credit to you. The book is in the layout phase now and being published by American Digger in 2024. Can you send me a copy of your list?

 

[fyrffytr1]

 

[BuckleBoy]

I do not have a list other than what is here on this thread. I have been busy and havent had any time to work on it or update it. You dont need to give me any credit. There may be some errors as it was a work in progress.

Hello my friend,

I appreciate your great effort in assembling this list! I’m going to talk to my editor and see if we have a place for this in the appendices of the book, and see what time I have to continue to compile the list. Miss ya on the forum my friend!

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Button Date Help

no replies?


My City Button Works may be WWI but the Scovills have me confused. According to internet research, this backmark is documented as a 1850-1865 production mark.

http://cgi.ebay.com.my/SCOVILL-Mf-g...1850-1865_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQitemZ250355537335


I am pleasantly surprised that these NY buttons may be "rare" WWI and mine are mint.

http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache...BUTTON+WORKS+-+N.Y."&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=8&gl=us
http://cgi.ebay.com/WWI-VINTAGE-MIL...temQQimsxZ20090109?IMSfp=TL090109114002r19699

 

[trikikiwi]

Re: Button Date Help

That is a seriously nice haul of buttons. BigCH
I know so little about buttons, but i'm learning all the time from the learned here on TNet.


Mike

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Button Date Help

That is a seriously nice haul of buttons. BigCH
I know so little about buttons, but i'm learning all the time from the learned here on TNet.


Mike

I figured what the hell for a buck. I thought they were modern and I have been tossing them in the surf to see were they end up in my thixotropic sand movement testing. I didnt know they were old until I noticed the different backmarks. Im still trying to get a date on the Scovills and Waterburys. Somebody here should know.

 

[detector de metales]

Re: Button Date Help

wow you could throw a few my way! Instead of wasting em in the surf!
Now you know zlincolns are better at that test than good buttons.. LOL
J2
Hopefully some one with Button knowledge galore will answer you!

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Re: Button Date Help

well, lets see if we can get these ID"D

 

[Cajunme]

Re: Button Date Help

these were used from wwI thru wwII until now. there are afew in the button book but for the most part they are new.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Button Date Help

these were used from wwI thru wwII until now. there are afew in the button book but for the most part they are new.

Yes, I realize they are all post 1902. I would like to better date the backmarks. Does your book say anything?

 

[done dug it all up]

Re: Button Date Help

dasalottabuttons

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Button Date Help

Since I started this thread, I have found several other Great Seal button backmarks. Here is a list so far (may have errors)


1- SCOVILL MF'G CO WATERBURY (back ungilted)
2- SCOVILL MF'G CO WATERBURY
3- WATERBURY BUTTON CO. *
4- CITY BUTTON WORKS - N.Y.- (WWI)
5- CITY BUTTON WORKS- NEW YORK- 1877-1955
6- US PRODUCTS CORP
7- R. LIEBMANN MFG CO (WWI)
8- R.L. MFG Co Newark N.J.
9- THE AUSTIN CO. PROVIDENCE R.I.
10- WATERBURY COS INC CONN modern
11- W W W W (waterbury) modern
12- D. EVANS CO. ATTLESBORO, MASS. 1902- WWII
13-ARNSTEIN, SIMON & CO. S.F.

 

[east tx digger]

Re: Button Date Help

Nice find for a buck. HH

 

[thrillathahunt]

Re: Button Date Help

Big, I don't know anything about buttons...but know a good deal when I see one. Abuck?? WOW.

Rick

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Button Date Help

I added a few more to the list of Great Seal Buttons.

1- SCOVILL MF'G CO WATERBURY (back ungilted)
2- SCOVILL MF'G CO WATERBURY
3- WATERBURY BUTTON CO. *
4- CITY BUTTON WORKS - N.Y.- (WWI)
5- CITY BUTTON WORKS- NEW YORK- 1877-1955
6- US PRODUCTS CORP
7- R. LIEBMANN MFG CO (WWI)
8- R.L. MFG Co Newark N.J.
9- THE AUSTIN CO. PROVIDENCE R.I.
10- WATERBURY COS INC CONN modern
11- W W W W (waterbury) modern
12- D. EVANS CO. ATTLESBORO, MASS. 1902- WWII
13- ARNSTEIN SIMON (& CO.) * S.F. *