Washington DC button--Solved

[bearbqd]

Ok, I found this last week on a farm where there are civil war artifacts. This button looks the part to be from that era, however, I don't think they started using the DC officially until about 1870. No one has spoken up on the original thread as to the origin of this button. I've never seen one like it and I can't find it in my button book or online. Please help me find out something about it. Oh yeah, there is no back mark.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Washington DC button

You came to the right forum. Its listed as a career uniform railroad button. A pic of the back would be cool even without a backmark. http://www.waterburybutton.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=18398



Its similar to DC police. I dont know the datelines.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Re: Washington DC button

Bearbqd, what you've heard is correct, there was no "Washington DC" button until after the civil war. (Some info is given on page 129 in the button-book by Alphaeus H. Albert.)

The nicklesilver plating and non-serified lettering on the Washington DC button you found means it dates anywhere from the latter-1800s to well into the 20th century. As BigCypressHunter's post shows, this type of "Washington DC" button you found is still being sold by the Waterbury button Company.

 

[bearbqd]

Re: Washington DC button

Thanks guys, I think you've nailed it.