✅ SOLVED Horstmann Philada Button ID Help Needed

[OpheliaN]

I am curious if anyone can help me with this Horstmann Philada coat button. Shiny brass, nice patina. It measures 2cm. I have no idea how old it is. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

-O

 

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[TheCannonballGuy]

Your button is a US Army "general service" button for Enlisted-men's uniforms. The specific version you've got, on which the eagle's head somewhat resembles a chicken's head, with a raised shield on its chest, was in service from 1875 to 1902 (when it was replaced by the "Great Seal" button).

 

[OpheliaN]

Wow! Thanks, this was in my grandfather's collection. Any idea of what these are actually worth? I saw some listings on ebay for around $25.00. My great grandfather served in the Spanish American war, could this be a button from his uniform?

 

[OpheliaN]

Thanks!

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Because you asked... based on its particular version of Horstmann Co. backmark ("HORSTMANN * PHILADa"), your button dates from 1893 to no later than 1902 (when production of that button-emblem ended). So yes, it could have come from your great-grandfathers Spanish-American war (1898) uniform.

Edit: I forgot to answer your question, "Any idea what these [buttons] are worth?" It is unwise to rely on Ebay for dollar-values of relics. Anybody can buy these chicken-head eagle buttons for $2-to-$3 at various Militaria shows and gun-shows. That's because they are far more common than (let's say for example) your Kentucky State Seal button from the same time-period. There were literally millions of Enlisted-men (privates, corporals, sergeants) in the US army between the 1870s and 1902.

 

[OpheliaN]

That's cool! Thanks again!