✅ SOLVED Virginia Sic Semper Tyrannis - too big for a button

JonG · Jul 25, 2014

Dug this one out the drawer this morning where it's been for a number of years.

I think it's too big to be a button at 34mm in diameter (1 3/8"). Dome shaped and stands about 6mm (1/4") from the bottom to the top of the dome.

Any ideas?

TheCannonballGuy · Jul 25, 2014

It appears to be the disc from an 1840s/50s tongue-&-wreath style Virginia State Seal swordbelt buckle, made by Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee MA. Compare your disc with the one in the photo at the top of page 199 in the book "Confederate Buckles & Plates" by Steven E. Mullinax. (Pay close attention to small details in the emblem, because there are several other 2-piece VA buckles whose emblem is similar to the one I cited.) In my opinion, the solder attaching the stamped-brass disc to the buckle's body broke, so the soldier drilled two holes in it to use it as a hat-emblem.

DCMatt · Jul 25, 2014

I knew CBG would be all over this one. I found the same buckle here: Shiloh Civil War Relics Catalog

You can see how the piece soldered to the back is consistent with the posted relic.

Awesome find!

DCMatt