Not having much luck with this button

How Lucky

Full Member
Jul 14, 2015
244
907
Maine
Detector(s) used
Garrett Scorpion Gold Stinger
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting

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RustyGold

Gold Member
Aug 16, 2013
9,372
10,901
Southern California
Detector(s) used
XP Deus I & II
Xterra Pro
Primary Interest:
Other
This website may be of help:
https://inkspotantiques.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=1

From the website:

US Military Uniform Button Identification

A uniform button's use and age is principally determined by three characteristics, usually considered together. First the "device" (design) identifies the service or state militia that used it, and generally when it was used. Keep in mind that certain devices were used for many decades, so other clues are needed. The buttons construction also offers a guide to age. Finally, the backmark may not only indicate the manufacturer, but if a particular mark or the manufacturer was in existence for a narrow time period, you can further pin down the likely age and use of a button.

Some rules of thumb of age can be made as to how the shank is attached. A one-piece button with a brazed shank (soldered appearance) is a design common in the 18th century, but was also made after. A two-piece button with a brazed shank is typical of 19th century. Two pieces crimped together were first made about 1813. Two-piece hollow rounded buttons held together by a thin rim ("staff" buttons) were invented in the 1830s and used until 1902. Civil War era buttons may show a circular depression at the base around the shank. Shanks inset into holes in the button is typical after World War I. Tinned Iron Back (TIB) and stamped brass turret back buttons are common from the 1880s to 1920s. Sometimes one of the best indicators of button age is the manufacturers backmarks.

Many button manufacturers of course made non-military uniform buttons, generally called "fashion" buttons. Antique military buttons will typically have an eagle, anchor, or state seal design. Fashion buttons can have many motifs ranging from floral, scroll, or even patriotic designs that might be confused with military buttons. Sometimes private company buttons (like train companies) might be confused with military uniform buttons. Generally military uniform buttons of the Civil War era and earlier command the highest prices, and are in more demand that fashion or private company uniform buttons.
Good luck!
 

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