button ID help?

[Festus]

I found this button in the back yard of a house in town. There is no back on it, but it looks to have had a steel back that is completely rusted away. It is 1/4" high and about 9/16" diameter. I used an ultrasonic cleaner on it and it appears to be brass. Our local libraries do not have any copies of Alfreds' button book, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks! Festus.

 

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[fortbball9]

Is there any stars around the edge,I don't see any in the pics.
I thought it was a General Staff Button.
But that is my guess.
Congrats on the find

fortbball9

 

[Festus]

Yes, there are 14 stars around the edge of the button. The eagle is holding 3 arrows on the left and an olive branch(?) on the right.
Any idea on the time period or if it's military? Civil War, WWI or WWII?

thanks,
Festus

 

[fortbball9]

I don't see any buttons in Alberts Button book that has 14 stars.They either have 13,20,21,22,23,24,25,27,
28 or 30 stars.So if it has 14 I don't have a clue unless it to be a more modern or post CW Era.Hope this helps.

fortbball9

 

[Festus]

Well, I'm still stumped. I got a stronger magnifying glass and re-counted the stars on the edge.

There are actually 19 stars, not 14 as I originally stated. The 3 extra were pretty faint and I missed them originally. I'm sure of the count this time though. I tried every way to find that 20th star, but it's just not there!

Any other suggestions?

Festus

 

[nova treasure]

thinking, Army General Staff button, Late 1800's,early 1900's.

NT

 

[PBK]

I thought it was a General Staff Button.
But that is my guess.

I agree. The shield shape resembles that of Albert's #GS 13E and #GS 14. Must be an unlisted variety, since the star count is off. Tice's book uses Bob Edmondson's classification system for General Staff buttons, which includes a star-count number. For example, the variety designated #GS-4R24S-3P has 24 stars (...24S...). I only took a quick glance, but didn't see any "...19S..." listed.

 

[BioProfessor]

General Staff for sure. And just a note on photographing objects to post. If you stay away from white backgrounds, the image will be much better. Dark backgrounds are much better. Even black.

And something for scale is always good.

Daryl

 

[Festus]

Thanks to all who replied. At least I have something to go on now. I was hoping CW era, but late 1800's or early 1900's is more probable since the town was established in 1881. There were many CW skirmishes in the surrounding area, and you never know where you will uncover something good. The owner of the house said to check the back yard specifically since years ago people tied up their horses back near where the alley behind the house is.

I'll keep the photo tips in mind next time too. My digital camera doesn't have a macro mode, maybe next time I'll just use my old trusty 35mm with a macro lens then scan the print. I had a couple of scans with a ruler for reference, but the eagle image did not show up as well. I apologize about the photo above, but after I cropped it, the image appeared blurry.

Thanks everybody!
Festus