Military button ID Help, please

[dirtyJohn]

I found this on an old Army base at 9 inches deep. I was surprised that all the gold gilt is still on it. The Backmark says 'EXTRA' and I can't make out the other word but it looks like maybe a four letter word beginning in 'F'. Maybe someone can tell from the pics. There is also some thread still on it which I thought was pretty cool. I've never seen this particular button before so I would greatly appreciate any info that could be provided (perhaps a chaplain's button per the cross?). Thanks for reading
HH
John
P.S. It's about 5/8 of an inch across.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

EXTRA FINE (gilt)

 

[dirtyJohn]

Thanks for the reply. Even though this was found on a US Army base I'm starting to think this may be Canadian from some other button designs I've seen on the web although I haven't found this exact on. Any ideas anyone?
HH
John

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I agree it looks similar to a Canadian crown but I cant find a match either. Its also very possible (most likely) to be a civilian fashion button. It has a very nice gold gilt. It may be the old mercury gilding.

 

[dirtyJohn]

I agree it looks similar to a Canadian crown but I cant find a match either. Its also very possible (most likely) to be a civilian fashion button. It has a very nice gold gilt. It may be the old mercury gilding.

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it. I found this page which has some buttons that are Canadian Buttons that are similar but not exact either. http://www.militaryheritage.com/button5.htm
HH
John

I guess it's possible that it could be civilian but everything I've found at this site is military from buttons to bullet casings not counting older coins which were probably lost by soldiers. In fact I've found hardly no modern anything at this place including clad.
HH
John
This button is similar but still not exact.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Its not the same but heres a crown button claimed to be German. http://www.britishbuttonsociety.org/ButtonIdentification/index.htm I believe before and during WWI, crown buttons were used by various countries so it may be military..

 

[IronSpike]

Its not the same but heres a crown button claimed to be German. http://www.britishbuttonsociety.org/ButtonIdentification/index.htm I believe before and during WWI, crown buttons were used by various countries so it may be military..

http://www.sacktrick.com/igu/germancolonialuniforms/militaria/colonialinsignia.htm

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Its not the same but heres a crown button claimed to be German. http://www.britishbuttonsociety.org/ButtonIdentification/index.htm I believe before and during WWI, crown buttons were used by various countries so it may be military..

http://www.sacktrick.com/igu/germancolonialuniforms/militaria/colonialinsignia.htm

Thats one helluva ID IronSpike. You a great at following up on every tiny lead or clue.

http://blog.charlesmccain.com/2010/04/greatest-guerilla-campaign-in-twentieth.html

Its a German colonial East African Schutztruppe button. Green Check.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

C'mon, a German colonial East African Schutztruppe button? ... found on an old Army base in Illiinois? Am I the only one that thinks this is a great ID?

 

[CRUSADER]

C'mon, a German colonial East African Schutztruppe button? ... found on an old Army base in Illiinois? Am I the only one that thinks this is a great ID?

Sure was, But you know that context often goes out the window in this game

 

[dirtyJohn]

Wow! Great ID. Now I need to find out how it got here. Maybe a war trophy or a POW dropped it? Foreign cavalry trained at this base I believe from time to time. Thanks
HH
John

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

green check

 

[dirtyJohn]

I found an article with this this quote regarding German POW's at this base.

"World war II internments (at this base) include the 9 German Prisoners of War, most were captured during the campaign in North Africa"

This could be the missing link even though they were WWII and not WWI

Thanks again for the great ID and everyone else help also.
HH
John

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Were any other WWI era items found at the base?

 

[dirtyJohn]

Were any other WWI era items found at the base?

Here's some stuff I found at this site. Some of it pre-dates WWI. I've also found tons of bullet casings not pictured.
HH
John

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I hope you find out the connection. Dont forget if you believe the button is solved, post the green check. http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,259097.0.html

 

[dirtyJohn]

I hope you find out the connection. Dont forget if you believe the button is solved, post the green check. http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,259097.0.html

Thanks I forgot. I was wondering what was meant by Green Check.
HH
John

 

[Rmeav8r]

Nice button!

Plenty of German POWs from the Afrika Korps were in the U.S. during and after WW2. In IL you had Camp Thomas A. Scott, near Fort Wayne. Camp Scott held more than 600 German POWs from the Afrika Korps from late 1944 until the camp closed in November 1945. There was also Camp Atterbury, near Edinburgh, Indiana.

Scout

 

[wstgo]

four letter word beginning in 'F Hmmmm? LOL