Navy Eagle Button ... any idea on age?

[JimBeHuntin']

I dug this old eagle button yesterday from an area that used to be a vegetable garden tended by a WWI vet until he died in the 1970s. Its about the size of a nickle, eagle and anchor on front, and pretty beat up so I can't make out the wording on the back of the button ... any help with type and era would be appreciated ... thanks for looking ... Jimmy.

 

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[Montana Jim]

The key to dating the button actually IS the back mark... which you cannot read.

I can read enough to ask you if YOU think this circled area is the end of this word; "WATERBURY", and does the rest say "BUTTON CO." ??



Look closer, or get closer pics at different angles of the back and from dead over it...

If it's "WATERBURY BUTTON CO." then it dates 1849 - 1865

Does it say something else??


NOTE: The face resembles many newer (WWII) exactly though... so we'll see...

I bet someone with an actual "Button Book" can help...

 

[diggummup]

I think your right on the maker Jim but I think you may be off on the dates of manufacture for that particular Waterbury mark. My info says that WATERBURY BUTTON CO. was used from 1849-1965. I think you just read it wrong if this was your source-http://pweb.netcom.com/~jimyce/bm.html . Here is a little excerpt on U.S.Navy buttons-
The earliest Navy button having both an eagle and foul anchor dates from 1797. In 1852 regulations stated that the anchor should be nearly horizontal. On May 14, 1941 the Navy ordered that the head of the eagle face its right side. Buttons made prior to that date generally face left. This was done so that the button would be in accordance with the rules of heraldry, right being the side of honor.

That's why it looks like the World War II button below -

 

[Montana Jim]

Thanks for the backup Diggum!!!

 

[BuckleBoy]

Thanks for the backup Diggum!!!

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[wildrider]

I think your right on the maker Jim but I think you may be off on the dates of manufacture for that particular Waterbury mark. My info says that WATERBURY BUTTON CO. was used from 1849-1965. I think you just read it wrong if this was your source-http://pweb.netcom.com/~jimyce/bm.html . Here is a little excerpt on U.S.Navy buttons-
The earliest Navy button having both an eagle and foul anchor dates from 1797. In 1852 regulations stated that the anchor should be nearly horizontal. On May 14, 1941 the Navy ordered that the head of the eagle face its right side. Buttons made prior to that date generally face left. This was done so that the button would be in accordance with the rules of heraldry, right being the side of honor.

That's why it looks like the World War II button below -

D-
I believe you are correct.

Albert's- Record of American Uniform and Historical Buttons
Eagle Facing Right, Order of May 14, 1941
NA121, Navy two piece with border and circle of rope.
A. The device, upper fluke of anchor in front of left wing.

 

[JimBeHuntin']

Thanks everyone for your expertise and help ... I believe you have nailed it as post 1941 ... much appreciated ... Jimmy!