Button...possibly civil war but not sure

[Evolution]

I found this button at what I think is a civil war site. There were several other buttons found on this site as well. I'm sure its a button because you can see where the shank broke off on the back. It's about the size of a half dollar. Any help with ID or possible value would be greatly appreciated. I don't have a button book. Thanks The other buttons in the picture are all flat buttons with nothing on the front and were found at the same site. Some of them have some designs on the back. If you look closely at the pic of the one small button you can see an eagle at the 12 o'clock position

 

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[PBK]

Most or all of those buttons are pre-Civil War; however, they may have seen usage during the war on civilian garments worn by soldiers, or as replacements for lost uniform buttons— both common occurrences, especially among Confederate troops in the later years of the war. The top button, a large, hand-decorated copper button (perhaps originally gilt or painted) is likely the oldest... late 18th or early 19th century.

 

[CRUSADER]

Agreed most of them, if not all look pre-1830s & of British manufacture.

The large one is a very unusual variation on the 1750-1780s Dandy Button. Seen plenty of round ones with identical pattern's & size but never that shape. A nice & rare button.

 

[PBK]

There is an octagonal example in Hughes & Lester's book, and they note that these are indeed "...less common than the round ones." Their estimated date range for large copper buttons of this type is c. 1770-1800.

 

[CRUSADER]

1770-1780s then

 

[artemis moon]

Those are lovely! Did you find anything other than buttons at this site? Old coins are great to find, but buttons are personal items that connect you to hisory. Very cool indeed.

 

[Evolution]

Those are lovely! Did you find anything other than buttons at this site? Old coins are great to find, but buttons are personal items that connect you to hisory. Very cool indeed.

I only found the buttons at this site. I was hoping to find a coin or two but no such luck. I appreciate the help in dating the buttons . Anyone have any clue as to actual value? What does it say in Hughes and Lesters book PBK?

 

[PBK]

Anyone have any clue as to actual value? What does it say in Hughes and Lesters book PBK?

They valued their octagonal example at $40 at the time of the book's publication (1981). Today, it's not unusual for dealers to list large Colonial copper, or "dandy," buttons at $60-90+. For example— http://buttonjunction.com/page15.html

However, I've seen them offered for about half that on eBay. (No octagonals, though.)