2015 FIRST SILVER BUTTON - DATE ?

EasternShoreMetal · Jan 1, 2015

I went out today to shake off the cabin fever. It's 45 degrees, practically a heat wave. I searched the last site I found a couple of early 1800's coins on to see if I could maybe start the year with a colonial. I wasn't having much luck with anything but 1960's pennies and a large brass shell casing.
Then I hit this button that rolled out shiny and in good condition.

A fellow hunter friend pulled up and ID' d it as an Air Force SAC button. ("Well, that's cool", I thought) Because of it's good condition and weight, I tested it for silver - positive.
On closer examination, it looks like it might be thickly plated, not a solid cover. (yes?)
The back mark is as you see.
On researching it, it looks to be WW II officer's dress blues button. I like military finds but am not very knowledgeable about them. Any better dating from you all?
How can I tell whether it's just not a fairly new one? (besides the fact that it was about 7 inches down).
I know it's not much, but I'll take it as a good sign for 2015 - why? Because there is a TON of can slaw and flip tops there.. that could have been all I found.. so I'll take the button and say "Hot Dog!"
Thanks in advance for your help.
Have a Great New Year in all things, fellow TNers !

P@tch · Jan 1, 2015

Real nice looking button. Congrats

EasternShoreMetal · Jan 1, 2015

todd lipe said:
Real nice looking button. Congrats

Thanks Todd - Have a great year!

CRUSADER · Jan 1, 2015

Nice button & yes silver plated.

EasternShoreMetal · Jan 1, 2015

CRUSADER said:
Nice button & yes silver plated.

Thanks Crusader, I have cleaned it ultrasonicly now and can see more clearly the wear or corroded spots.. you are correct. Thinking WWII ? Trying to pinpoint date.. I guess this was probably used thru cold war too...

MikeDiG · Jan 1, 2015

I collect military buttons it's definitely WWII silver plated Air Force button. Nice find!! Not really valuable but a really cool find. Thanks for sharing!!

beez0404 · Jan 1, 2015

Great looking WWII button. Way to start the year.

Professor of Engineering · Jan 1, 2015

Hello EasternShoreMetal,

Excellent button find, such detail.

Happy Hunting

danimal03 · Jan 1, 2015

Actually it is post 1947. during WWII it was the Army Air Corps. in 1947 the modern US Air Force was created. So this insignia didn't exist in WWII. I would put it early/mid 1950's.

Inspector · Jan 2, 2015

Nice find and very nice condition, Happy NEW YEAR

cjon455 · Jan 2, 2015

That's a nice one!, congrats

pong12211 · Jan 2, 2015

Really nice finds thanks for sharing.

EasternShoreMetal · Jan 2, 2015

danimal03 said:
Actually it is post 1947. during WWII it was the Army Air Corps. in 1947 the modern US Air Force was created. So this insignia didn't exist in WWII. I would put it early/mid 1950's.

I think you've got it right on the head. After the help here, I went to research USAAF and the USAF. I didn't know their history that well. Just as you said, USAF formed from USAAF in 47 they used a brass button until 49 then switched to the silver plate. So it has to be at least that old and could be much newer. That's very interesting. It's only my second military button, (I have a brass great seal Army - from WW I to present) so, I'm still pleased.
Thanks for clearing that up!

EasternShoreMetal · Jan 2, 2015

And thanks to everyone else as well, you got me researching in the right direction and that's as fun for me as the hunting itself. We get to hunt for treasure twice! Appreciate all the posts! You all are great.

ANTIQUARIAN · Jan 3, 2015

That's a great save on the silver-plated button! :occasion14:

It's always a bonus when you can ID the maker too!

Dave

dirtlooter · Jan 3, 2015

nice find, really nice to former air force, oh wait, I'm former air force so I really like it

Metal Illness · Jan 3, 2015

Sweet button, Congrats Chris that is really cool! Great start to the new year!

Ahab8 · Jan 3, 2015

That's a great looking button buddy.

EasternShoreMetal · Jan 5, 2015

Thanks Guys! I appreciate everyone taking the time to look. I'm not sure about the age, it was 5 inches deep in an undisturbed site, so I think it may be 50's or so rather than too new, but I just like the way the military stuff looks. I can tell you all do too. To all who posted - Have a fantastic New Year and HH !