Naval Button or What?

[swing53]

My Dad got these (20 large and about 15 small) buttons at a garage sale in Mobile, Alabama, about 20 years ago. As he is about 85, I would like to report to him just what this is. Thanks ahead on this. First time user, so may have additional questions.

 

[swing53]

Forgot to say that the back says SUPERIOR QUALITY.

 

[swing53]

Here is the back.

 

[fyrffytr1]

The eagle and anchor is a symbol of the Marines. I have searched Marines, Navy,and Coast Guard but can't find a match to yours. i have an 1870s Indiana State seal button with the same style attaching ring still on it. It came from a Spanish-American War campsite dating to 1898-99.

 

[HomeGuardDan]

my initial thought is some kind of merchant marine button. Def not a US regulation uniform button

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Agreeing with HomeGuardDan... I've searched thoroughly through the Albert book on American uniform buttons (from the Revolution through the 1970s), and there is no match-up for your button in that book. So, like Dan, I suspect your button is a Merchant-Navy or shipping-line button.

I should mention, your button's Superior Quality backmark is written in "plain block" lettering, which indicates it does not date any earlier than the very-late 1800s and is most probably from sometime in the 20th Century.

 

[swing53]

Thank you all for the leads in discovering this button history. I had beat teh web and also can not find a match in teh military arena. I will redirect my efforts and see if I can get closer, now. Thanks again for your knowledge.

Steve