✅ SOLVED Button ID

[Clo]

My 14 year old nephew found this in his yard outside of Charlotte, N.C. recently with his detector. He accidentally dropped it, so now it’s detached. Superior Quality is stamped on the back, and it appears to have some gilt. Can anyone give me some info I can pass along to him? I found some info online, but I can’t tell if it’s truly old. Thanks in advance.

 

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[nkellam22]

Looks Civil war era to me but i'm no expert

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

That's a beautiful button find!
I'm not an expert on US military buttons, but I'm thinking the example your nephew found might be a later 'fashion button' due to it's rather thin construction.
Dave

US Military Uniform Button Identification

A uniform button's use and age is principally determined by three characteristics, usually considered together. First the "device" (design) identifies the service or state militia that used it, and generally when it was used. Keep in mind that certain devices were used for many decades, so other clues are needed. The buttons construction also offers a guide to age. Finally, the backmark may not only indicate the manufacturer, but if a particular mark or the manufacturer was in existence for a narrow time period, you can further pin down the likely age and use of a button. Some rules of thumb of age can be made as to how the shank is attached. A one-piece button with a brazed shank (soldered appearance) is a design common in the 18th century but was also made after. A two-piece button with a brazed shank is typical of 19th century. Two pieces crimped together were first made about 1813. Two-piece hollow rounded buttons held together by a thin rim ("staff" buttons) were invented in the 1830s and used until 1902. Civil War era buttons may show a circular depression at the base around the shank. Shanks inset into holes in the button is typical after World War I. Tinned Iron Back (TIB) and stamped brass turret back buttons are common from the 1880s to 1920s. Sometimes one of the best indicators of button age is the manufacturers backmarks. Many button manufacturers of course made non-military uniform buttons, generally called "fashion" buttons. Antique military buttons will typically have an eagle, anchor, or state seal design. Fashion buttons can have many motifs ranging from floral, scroll, or even patriotic designs that might be confused with military buttons. Sometimes private company buttons (like train companies) might be confused with military uniform buttons. Generally military uniform buttons of the Civil War era and earlier command the highest prices and are in more demand that fashion or private company uniform buttons.

Timeline of Key US Army General Infantry Button Devices – Info based upon Albert (1976)

General Service 1852-1902: (enlisted men) Two-piece buttons with spread eagle and lined shield
1852-1875: shield not raised, coat size 19-20 mm typ
1875-1902: shield conspicuously raised, coat is 21 mm
General Service 1902-present: (enlisted men and officers) Great Seal of the US. One and two-piece buttons. See list of "Great Seal" button marks.

Shields with Letters

Shield with I : Infantry. Enlisted men, 1821-1854, officers 1821-1902.
Shield with A : Artillery. Enlisted men, 1821-1854, officers 1821-1902.
Shield with R : Riflemen. Enlisted men, 1821-1857, officers 1821-1902.
Shield with C : Calvary, 1855-1902 (officers only).
Shield with D : Dragoons (a light cavalry), 1836-1854 for enlisted men, officers 1836-1902.

Scovill Buttons

Prior to and during the Civil War, Scovill was the most prolific button manufacturers. The Scovill name is common on buttons from the 1830 to the 1970s. The original Scovill partnerships and companies were located in Waterbury, CT, so often the name Waterbury also appears on Scovill buttons. The brothers J. M. Lamson Scovill and William Henry Scovill operated the business from 1827 to 1840. These buttons are generally marked "JML Scovill..." or "Scovills". The Scovills & Co backmark is found from around 1840 to 1850. Marks with variations of Scovill Manufacturing begin about 1850 (Scovill MG.- early 1850s, Scovill MF'G - mid 1850s). Below are some of the many Scovill backmark variations.

 

[GopherDaGold]

I don't believe it's a later 'fashion button'. I've had pre-Civil War coat buttons fall apart on me.
I think you have the real deal there.

 

[fyrffytr1]

It is a Union General staff button. How many arrows in the right talon and how many stars around the edge. It probably fell apart because the ring that holds the front and back together broke.

 

[Clo]

It is a Union General staff button. How many arrows in the right talon and how many stars around the edge. It probably fell apart because the ring that holds the front and back together broke.

I think you may be right. There was a definite ring in the pieces that was broken. Thanks for the thoughts.