1800s Federal General Service Button

[Jamesbondaka]

1800s Federal General Service Militia Button

I was hunting on a beach in Florida and this popped up. I thought I was going to get a penny and I was wrong about that. I knew it was a button but didnt realize how OLD it was till much later. I still didnt know exactly what I had till an online friend emailed me the details on this button. Thanks Floyd!

He says its a federal general service or militia button....made 1820 to 1840. It beats my oldest find of an 1881 Silver Dollar by 40-60 years!

 

[Ahab8]

That's a great recovery! Anything that says US on it is great in my eyes. Congrats on your oldest find

 

[treblehunter]

Nice find

 

[ynpto804]

It is known as a great seal as I understand it. Very nice.

 

[Jamesbondaka]

Thanks all! Ive already had someone offer to buy it. I like the history of this piece and where is been....all this time.

 

[vpnavy]

 

[civil_war22]

Wow your crazy for selling that beauty.

 

[Msbeepbeep]

Nice button & in great shape too! Congrats!

 

[BuckleBoy]

That is one GREAT find for OREGON!!

BIG congratulations on that one!


-Buck

 

[Jamesbondaka]

That is one GREAT find for OREGON!!

BIG congratulations on that one!


-Buck

Hi again Buck,

It was actually found in south florida beach. About the only "old" thing you can find around here....is a twinkie....as they last forever.

Thanks again!

 

[Jamesbondaka]

Nice button & in great shape too! Congrats!

Thank you. You are right! Especially for how old it is.....its in great shape. I find pennes that are only 30 years old or less and they are in terrible condition. This button approx 170-180 years old and its really nice....go figure!

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

According the button-book by Alphaeus H. Albert, it is a US Army (not state or local Militia troops) "Great Coat" button, made only from 1829 through 1839. It came in two sizes: 21 or 22mm, and 15mm. The "great coat" was a long overcoat issued by the army. See pages 70-71 in the Albert book. Significant numbers of the "Great Coat" buttons have been found at various Seminole Wars sites in Florida.

 

[Jamesbondaka]

According the button-book by Alphaeus H. Albert, it is a US Army (not state or local Militia troops) "Great Coat" button, made only from 1829 through 1839. It came in two sizes: 21 or 22mm, and 15mm. The "great coat" was a long overcoat issued by the army. See pages 70-71 in the Albert book. Significant numbers of the "Great Coat" buttons have been found at various Seminole Wars sites in Florida.

This is what my expert came up with....do you agree? "When I say "federal", I mean Union States army during the Civil War or US army during any other campaigns of this time period. I'm sure that militia used any uniform they could get their hands on that signify Union or US. Here's a link to federal general service buttons used during this period.http://www.thetreasuredepot.com/cayenna/index.htm".

 

[bofusmosby]

The 1-piece Great Coat button was used throughout the Second Seminole War. The 2-piece version was used during the Third Seminole War. Like theCannonballGuy stated, they first cam out in the late 1820's. This button doesn't look like it has been exposed to the sal water much, so I would look for other possible artifacts on the dunes above where you found this button.

 

[Jamesbondaka]

The 1-piece Great Coat button was used throughout the Second Seminole War. The 2-piece version was used during the Third Seminole War. Like theCannonballGuy stated, they first cam out in the late 1820's. This button doesn't look like it has been exposed to the sal water much, so I would look for other possible artifacts on the dunes above where you found this button.

Well.... I did. I forgot to post. Your right, I cant believe how its in such nice condition. When I found it, I thought it was just a military button of the mid 1900s....surprise for me! This second button found still has salt deposits on the back. This button has some kind of foreign substance on the face that I think can be removed with olive oil.

So, as I understand it....This is a US army button not a local or state militia?....or like anything in the place in time.....used by other troops?

Thanks
.