I found this metal detecting a second Seminole war fort sight. I think it's an officers cuff button, but don't know exactly. Any help would be awesome!
Closest I can find is a early militia button GI56 (Alberts) with the difference being the GI56 shield has vertical stripes where your shield has a plain field. Sometimes cuff buttons had a slightly altered front due to their size. A rather unique back mark that I have never seen.
Recommend you post it in the "what is It" forum where many experts lurk, it will get more attention.
Never clean a relic, particularly a button, to the point that you have stripped off the Patina (aged oxidation) as it devalues the item. Only clean it to remove dirt etc.