Need Help IDing A Button

[Michigan Badger]

This CW area dug button wasn't dug by me but I'm trying to find out what it is for someone else.

Any ideas?

Badger

 

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[PBK]

Hi, Badger—

It's a civilian, gilt-brass coat button, c. 1820-40. You didn't mentioned the front, but eagle marks like this one seem to have been used mainly on plain-faced buttons. Of course, like all civilian buttons of the period, such as the familiar "flower buttons," it could have seen unofficial military usage as well.

 

[Don in SJ]

Buttons with backmarks as yours actually appeared as early as 1800. It was a ploy by English manufacturers appealing to American partriotism. Ref: Dating Buttons by Warren Tice.

 

[Michigan Badger]

Thanks much guys! I'll pass this info on to the digger.

Badger

 

[PBK]

Don is correct in that Tice does attribute at least one raised eagle backmark as c. 1800. However, the one you have posted is not that mark. But what the heck? Call it "early 19th century" or "prewar."