Button

[333Demon333]

Found this button today. Anyone have info on it?

 

[Doc Arey]

Its cool

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

It is an East Tennessee University Cadet button. It is shown as button SU-107 in the "Schools & Universities" section of the button-book by Alphaeus H. Albert. He gives it a "Relative Value" rating of 4... which is a lot less than he rates civil war era Southern military-cadet buttons (RV 15), so apparently he doesn't think it is from before 1866. Perhaps somebody else here knows more about "School & University" buttons than I do, and can tell you with certainty whether or not it is a civil war era button.

To time-date your E.T.U. Cadet button, we need to know EXACTLY what its backmark says. I can see "Scovill Mfg. Co." on it, but not the rest. You might have to do some gentle cleaning to read the rest. It might say "Waterbury" or "Waterbury CT" or "Waterbury Conn"... which will affect its time-period.

 

[Old Dude]

You guys are killing me with your buttons, lol. What do I have to do to get one? Very nice find. I am envious

 

[333Demon333]

It is an East Tennessee University Cadet button. It is shown as button SU-107 in the "Schools & Universities" section of the button-book by Alphaeus H. Albert. He gives it a "Relative Value" rating of 4... which is a lot less than he rates civil war era Southern military-cadet buttons (RV 15), so apparently he doesn't think it is from before 1866. Perhaps somebody else here knows more about "School & University" buttons than I do, and can tell you with certainty whether or not it is a civil war era button. To time-date your E.T.U. Cadet button, we need to know EXACTLY what its backmark says. I can see "Scovill Mfg. Co." on it, but not the rest. You might have to do some gentle cleaning to read the rest. It might say "Waterbury" or "Waterbury CT" or "Waterbury Conn"... which will affect its time-period.

thanks for the info. I will see if I can clean it a little and get some info off the back.

 

[fyrffytr1]

I found this excerpt on another site. It looks like your button dates to at least 1869.
In 1869 the Tennessee legislature designated East Tennessee University as the state’s land-grant institution. This designation, approved by the federal government the next year, gave the university a new mission and substantial financial support to achieve it. With proceeds from the sale of the federally granted lands, Humes expanded the university’s physical plant by purchasing adjacent property, building new instructional space and dormitories, and preparing to build an agricultural experiment station. In accordance with the Morrill Act, Humes instituted mandatory military training for all students, a rigid requirement that lasted for two decades.

As part of the military regimen, students were required to wear gray uniforms similar to those of West Point cadets, and officers of the regular Army served as the institution’s commandants.

 

[vpnavy]

Great find! Thanks for sharing...

 

[HomeGuardDan]

Here is a great link to your button - including pictures and history. You will see cadets here - but this was the beginning of University of Tennessee. The name was officially changed to UT in 1879, so your button is not older than 1879

University of Tennessee - Aaron D. Purcell - Google Books

Dan

 

[Graysondigger]

Try soaking it in ammonia. I check mine every 15 minutes or so. You will be amazed how well it works. I also use a battery powered toothbrush with warm soapy water to finish the cleaning.......HH!

 

[333Demon333]

Try soaking it in ammonia. I check mine every 15 minutes or so. You will be amazed how well it works. I also use a battery powered toothbrush with warm soapy water to finish the cleaning.......HH!

thanks!!

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Just some friendly advice... based my 40 years of personal experience with cleaning dug civil war era buttons, 15 minutes is FAR too long to let a dug button sit in pure ammonia. The button tends to come out looking "burned" from too much time in the strong chemical. That's why my previous reply recommended using diluted ammonia, and just 3 minutes of soaking time. If needed, you can always repeat the short soak, as many times as necessary. It's like the rule about putting salt on food... too little, you can add a bit more... use too much, you're screwed, and have to throw it away.

 

[333Demon333]

Just some friendly advice... based my 40 years of personal experience with cleaning dug civil war era buttons, 15 minutes is FAR too long to let a dug button sit in pure ammonia. The button tends to come out looking "burned" from too much time in the strong chemical. That's why my previous reply recommended using diluted ammonia, and just 3 minutes of soaking time. If needed, you can always repeat the short soak, as many times as necessary. It's like the rule about putting salt on food... too little, you can add a bit more... use too much, you're screwed, and have to throw it away.

Thanks you!