Army Coat Button (looking for time-frame)

[Just_curious]

Hey everybody. I have what I believe to be a genuine old Army Coat Button. It is very heavy, and has London Eng on the back...i doubt it's revolutionary war period. Any insight would be great!

 

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[villagenut]

Great seal button probably WW1 or 2 era.

 

[fyrffytr1]

That particular backmark was used from 1899-1991. The great seal button first appeared in 1901 but it wasn't until 1910 that the rim was added. So your button could date anywhere from 1910-1917/1923-1991. Since there doesn't appear to be a black finish on your button it would not date between 1917-1923.

 

[Just_curious]

What do you mean black finish? I have another one that is completely different in color, and is extremely light. Just like my modern ones on my service jacket

 

[nhbenz]

Here are examples of ones with a varied amount of the black finish:

 

[fyrffytr1]

From 1910-1917 the buttons were either bronze or black. From 1917-1923 they were black only, just like the ones nhbenz posted above. What is the backmark on your other "Great Seal" button? Post a picture of it, please.

 

[Just_curious]

Mine looks like there could be a black finish...i just figured it was from being in the ground. But the ones above say New York, whereas mine says london egl. On the back... which I think is weird. A U.S Army button with London on the back?

 

[fyrffytr1]

There are many makers of this button. Here's a link to a list. Scroll down the page about halfway.
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/112828-great-seal-button-backmarks-help-25.html