One piece Ledsam infantry eagle button

[lrgoodger]

My brother found this in a small town in Michigan. From what I can find, Ledsam sold out prior to 1850, so this button must be at least that old. I cannot find one on the web. I found a couple of pictures of eagle buttons, but none with the I in the shield. Anyone have any idea on value?

 

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[Blackfoot58]

I agree it is infantry. I don’t have any further insight. I hope you learn more. I’m interested in it too.
Nice button.

 

[Red-Coat]

Good find.

The maker was Thomas Ledsam & Sons of 10 Great Charles Street, Birmingham but also with premises in Cateaton Street, London (now Gresham Street). They were listed under that name as manufacturers of gilt and metal buttons between 1805 and 1833 but Ledsam’s period of operation stretches from c.1797 to 1850 when they were bought out by Pigott & Co. who advertised themselves as “Successor to Thos. Ledsam & Sons”.



It’s a scarce button and there was one advertised as a “Civil War Infantry” on a militaria site a while ago (image no longer available) which sold for $150 but ‘non-dug’ and in good condition. It might well have still been in use during the Civil War period, but wasn’t manufactured with the Ledsam & Sons backmark beyond 1851.

 

[lrgoodger]

Sold this on ebay 10/3/23 for $150. It was probably worth a lot more and the guy who made the offer got it on the cheap.