✅ SOLVED Button - Which War?

[Natman]

Hi all, I found this yesterday, it's slightly damaged ond looks like it may have been a 2-piece (back part is missing). I've seen similar ones from both Civil War and WWII but not sure of the time period. Thanks in advance for any help.

Nat

 

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[smokeythecat]

It will depend on the backmark. Can we get a look at it?

 

[GaRebel1861]

With the back missing it will be hard to identify but, it sure looks much more older than World War II to me.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

No need for backmark info. That is definitely a "Fashion" button, in this case a crude imitation of the actual US Navy buitton, made for use on civilian coats and jackets.

The main ID-clues for civilian Fashion imitation US Navy buttons are:
1- The "rope border" does not pass through the ring on the anchor's top. (See photo below.)
2- Weak/soft detail, not crisp-&-sharp detail like on actual US Navy buttons (see photo).
3- The tops of the Fashion eagle's wings are VERY round, instead of pointy-top wings like on actual US Navy buttons. (See photo.
4- The Fashion eagle's belly and legs are very fat, puffy, and round or oval. (Compare with photo below.)

Lastly, very-very few Fashion imitation Navy buttons have a maker's-name backmark. Instead, the Fashion button's back is made of iron/steel, or unmarked brass, or has a simple generic backmark like "Superior Quality."

The photo below shows an actual US Navy button. That design was used from 1850 until 1941 (when the eagle's head got turned toward the button's left side). In particular, note the very crisp, sharp detail, even showing individual "vanes" within the eagle's feathers.

 

[Natman]

Thanks so much for the ID