Button help

[Stef45]

I have no idea how old this button is or what kind it is. Help needed. Thanks

 

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[duggap]

We usually think of those as US Army pants buttons, or fly buttons.

https://www.google.com/search?q=US+...X&ved=0ahUKEwiSh_SThYDLAhUFRyYKHesRB0YQsAQIHA

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Sorry, but the US Army 4-hole pants and fly buttons were made of zinc, not brass... and those US Army ones are all marked "USA" or "US ARMY".

Stamped (not cast) sheetbrass 4-hole buttons have existed ever since the early-1800s, made primarily for civilian usage, and are still being manufactured today. Therefore they are extremely difficult to time-date, unless marked with a manufacturing company's name, or advertizing. Often the best clue to a 4-hole button's age is the age of the other relics dug right next to it.

We know for certain that in the 1800s through mid-1900s they were used plentifully on "long-johns" long underwear. That is why so many IRON 4-hole buttons have been dug in civil war winter-camp hutsites.

 

[Stef45]

Sorry, but the US Army 4-hole pants and fly buttons were made of zinc, not brass... and those US Army ones are all marked "USA" or "US ARMY".

Brass 4-hole buttons have existed ever since the early-1800s, made primarily for civilian usage, and are still being manufactured today. Therefore they are extremely difficult to time-date, unless marked with a manufacturing company's name, or advertizing. Often the best clue to a 4-hole button's age is the age of the other relics dug right next to it.

We know for certain that in the 1800s through mid-1900s they were used plentifully on "long-johns" long underwear. That is why so many IRON 4-hole buttons have been dug in civil war winter-camp hutsites.

You're the Man once again. Thanks for the help.