So, what's with this button?!

[Driftwoood]

I found this on an early-late 1800's site. The back says 'SCOVILL MF'G CO WATERBURY'... I'm assuming it's a Fire Department button and the backmark suggests Civil War era (1850-1865), but how are the two related (if at all)?

 

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[Keith Jackson]

Looks like a Waterbury Button Company model 2869 Fire Department button. Top left button in the picture at the below link:

Military and all metal buttons : army, navy, police, fire department, school and livery ..

Perhaps, since the town was all about brass, is it possible that the Waterbury Button Company bought backs from Scovill? Or am I digging too deep?

 

[btjbtj]

That button is awesome--congrats! We recently found a Scovill Waterbury CT button, but it was a Massachusetts Militia Civil War uniform button. Great find! ~Lisa & John

 

[nhbenz]

Your source for the date is incorrect, and unfortunately this error has spread to multiple sites. This mark was used for a good deal longer.
But there are variations, as the link below shows, and with the stars and circle of dots I think it matches the 1860-1870 variety, if I'm seeing it right.
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=668397&d=1346033957
This chart was provided by CannonballGuy in this thread:
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/309553-real-fake.html

 

[Driftwoood]

Great info! Thanks for the links... very helpful!

 

[Driftwoood]

That button is awesome--congrats! We recently found a Scovill Waterbury CT button, but it was a Massachusetts Militia Civil War uniform button. Great find! ~Lisa & John

Thanks!! It was the find of the day for sure.