RI State Seal Anchor Button - Civil War era?

[lenmac65]

I dug this button today about 20 feet from an old cellar hole. I think it is military and possibly Civil War era. Though the backmark is not clear in the photo or in-person, I believe I can see D. Evans & Co., Attleboro, Mass. I have seen similar ones posted that were dug at Civil War battle sites, so I am thinking military. I was real excited about this button, which was my only find today. However, even a gentle tooth picking is doing damage. Any safe cleaning tips? I know it will never look like the non-dug image I included in this post, but it would be nice if I could at least get it a little cleaner. Thanks … happy hunting.

 

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[Sandog]

I dug this button today about 20 feet from an old cellar hole. I think it is military and possibly Civil War era. Though the backmark is not clear in the photo or in-person, I believe I can see D. Evans & Co., Attleboro, Mass. I have seen similar ones posted that were dug at Civil War battle sites, so I am thinking military. I was real excited about this button, which was my only find today. However, even a gentle tooth picking is doing damage. Any safe cleaning tips? I know it will never look like the non-dug image I included in this post, but it would be nice if I could at least get it a little cleaner. Thanks … happy hunting.View attachment 2044444View attachment 2044445View attachment 2044446

Know nothing about old buttons, but I know what I like. Especially naval looking. Grand son is Navy Police at Annapolis .

 

[Digger RJ]

I dug this button today about 20 feet from an old cellar hole. I think it is military and possibly Civil War era. Though the backmark is not clear in the photo or in-person, I believe I can see D. Evans & Co., Attleboro, Mass. I have seen similar ones posted that were dug at Civil War battle sites, so I am thinking military. I was real excited about this button, which was my only find today. However, even a gentle tooth picking is doing damage. Any safe cleaning tips? I know it will never look like the non-dug image I included in this post, but it would be nice if I could at least get it a little cleaner. Thanks … happy hunting.View attachment 2044444View attachment 2044445View attachment 2044446

Very Cool!!! Congrats!!!

 

[devldog]

Beautiful button. Go on utube and search for methods to cleaning old buttons. There are several methods. Best of luck to you. I don't have a CW button book, but this State Seal button is very likely to be a CW period button. Maybe someone can chime in that has a book and can properly identify this button for you. Great Save.

 

[Lenrac2]

Beautiful button! Congrats!!

 

[Steve in PA]

Nice! I have always liked the RI button and I am 99% sure it is Civil War era

 

[lenmac65]

Beautiful button. Go on utube and search for methods to cleaning old buttons. There are several methods. Best of luck to you. I don't have a CW button book, but this State Seal button is very likely to be a CW period button. Maybe someone can chime in that has a book and can properly identify this button for you. Great Save.

Thanks! I did a few searches as suggested, and might try using aluminum jelly, if still available. Based on the design and manufacturer, I am thinking 1860s to 1870s, but I am not sure.

 

[lenmac65]

Nice! I have always liked the RI button and I am 99% sure it is Civil War era

Thanks, Steve. This is my first one, and I too like the design. I believe I found this button online, which says 1860s and post war. Not sure how late that would be exactly; maybe 1870s or so?

 

[CRUSADER]

I can't help with dating it, but it's not a button I remember being posted before, so I'm going to assume it's pretty scarce.

 

[JeffInMass]

Quite the awesome piece of history- Congrats!!

 

[Trezurehunter]

Very nice button.

 

[Steve in PA]

Thanks, Steve. This is my first one, and I too like the design. I believe I found this button online, which says 1860s and post war. Not sure how late that would be exactly; maybe 1870s or so? View attachment 2044572

Here is what the button back mark book says about that back mark. Unless it was found in a Civil War context, I guess you can't say for sure it is Civil War era.

 

[lenmac65]

Here is what the button back mark book says about that back mark. Unless it was found in a Civil War context, I guess you can't say for sure it is Civil War era.
View attachment 2044837

Thank you for that page-very helpful. I agree, I can’t say for sure it is Civil War era. However, based on the page you provided, it seems to be 1850-1880s, which is still pretty cool. Thanks!

 

[Joe-Dirt]

I found the same button in a hay field in uxbridge mass, mine is smooshed but you can still make it out. I would say yours is civil war era. I’ll post a picture if I can find it.
found it, I think you can make them out, if not I’ll dig it out of my stacks of rusting corroded stuff in my house. Anyway, great find !!

 

[lenmac65]

I found the same button in a hay field in uxbridge mass, mine is smooshed but you can still make it out. I would say yours is civil war era. I’ll post a picture if I can find it.
found it, I think you can make them out, if not I’ll dig it out of my stacks of rusting corroded stuff in my house. Anyway, great find !!

Thanks Joe-Dirt. I see your RI button in both photos- looks good despite the damage. I really like the display you put together. I must do something like that now that I have found a small number of military buttons. Thanks again.

 

[Bamasteve]

Awesome find!

 

[devldog]

Yes, build yourself or get a small case for your buttons. These are a great piece of chapters from our American History. These artifacts not only witnessed American History, but played a part. They look great in displays and you will be glad that you did.