Civil War button?

[ewtaylor]

I've had this button for a while now. I honestly have no idea what school it is. WMI with the union shield are on the front and "Scovill Manufacturing company, Waterbury" on the back in a channel. I'm assuming it's pre-CW because of the way it's made. Anyone have any clue if this is a variation of the Western Military Inst. button? I saw on the net some guy dug one in VA.

Would like to know any info, including value, as I would like to sell it.

thanks,
Wayne

 

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[TheCannonballGuy]

The book by Alphaeus H. Albert titled "Record Of American Uniform And Historical Buttons" shows your button as SU-430 in the Schools & Universities section, but does not call it a Western Military Instute button, just saying it is a "WMI" button. The Scovill Mfg Co Waterbury backmark being in raised lettering dates it as being from 1850 to 1860. I suggest you check with William Leigh at civilwarbuttons.com.

 

[fyrffytr1]

It is a Western Military Institute button. Albert's button book gives very little information other than the school started in Georgetown, Ky. in 1847. Other sources state that in 1855 it merged with the University of Nashville, Tenn.and moved there. The WMI portion closed in 1862. So, your button dates between 1847 and 1862. As far as value, I have no idea.

 

[fyrffytr1]

I was typing my reply when TCG posted his and I have to correct myself. I assumed it is a Western Military Institute button based on Albert's book and after reading TCGs reply I have to agree with him that it is not 100% certain to be one. Where did you find it?

 

[Davers]

Still a ? , as to positive ID I, see.

Where are those Kid's in the Mystery Machine Van when we need them ?

 

[fyrffytr1]

The University of Nashville no longer exists so we can't contact them. But, they were made part of Vanderbilt in a round about way so it is possible that Vandy has some historic relics or pictures from the WMI. A long shot but maybe the OP might want to contact them. It would be nice to know if the WMI buttons are form the Western Military Institute.

 

[ewtaylor]

Thanks for all the replies, I just saw them. I'll see what Mr Leigh suggest

 

[ewtaylor]

So I spoke with Mr. Leigh, actually we played phone tag and communicated via answering machine. I had asked what he thought and if this could have been a staff button. Basically he said there is no evidence to support or deny it being a Western Military Inst. button. He did mention the fact about Tice's book saying it was a school in Ohio, but after talking with military school experts, there is absolutely no evidence to support that either.

So, who knows. I do know the backmark has been found on numerous CW era and pre-War era buttons. I have seen 2 others in non-dug condition and one in dug condition from Va.

Wayne