Federal Navy Button?

[quicksilver]

Hello!
I found this interesting Navy Button? at a school (1980's) playground in rural Eastern Wisconsin. The button is approx. 22 mm. The front mark has 3 cannonballs, a horizontal anchor and an eagle perched on the anchor with its head facing to the right. The button is made out of a brassy material. There are also 13 stars surrounding the front mark edge (see photo 1). The back mark is nonexistent. There is no writing on the back. There is a fastening loop attached in the center. The lack of any manufacturer mark is really puzzling me (see photo 2). Is it an older item, a new item? I think the RIGHT facing eagle was minted after 1941. Let me know the approx. age, value, etc.. if possible. Thank you.

Matt
Wisconsin? ?

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

How to Research for Treasure Hunting and Metal Detecting From Lead Generation to Vetting - Grab it through Amazon!

[lonewolfe]

Nice button,

it's not civil war but, still nice!

HH

Lonewolfe

 

[jlar]

Hi,

I just found two just like it (but no backs at all) ... I could be wrong but doesn't your eagle actually face left (he is looking over his own left shoulder). I thought that after 1941 the eagle was changed to look over HIS own right shoulder ?

http://www.angelfire.com/md2/patches/uniform/buttons.html

I thought this was an example of one after 1941 .....
http://classifieds.aol.com/listing/details.aspx?ListingID=B4291010

Like I said ... I could be wrong. If not then I would think yours would be pre 1941 ... and I think the horizontal anchor goes back into the late 1800's ..

 

[quicksilver]

Hi,
I think you are right. I thought it was from my point of view. It is definitely exciting it is older than 1941. I still have to find out why there are no backmarks. Thank you for your help.

Matt

 

[MOMXT]

I was shocked when I saw it, I found one last week exactly like it and in about the same condition as yours. I was hopeful it was CW era but I really didn't think it was. Mine was found in S.W. Missouri. Any info you get on it pass along to me.
thanks

 

[quicksilver]

Hi,
Wow...I guess I'm not alone with my finds! The LEFT facing eagle head is a clear indicator the piece is from 1852-1941. However, maybe some were minted without any backmarks during a particular year or period which would narrow down the age. This was a great find to discover on July 4th! Happy huntin'!

Matt

 

[stoney56]

From my vantage point, the button almost looks cast, which might explain no backmark. Also the anchor is different than any I've tried to research. The loop is larger and the crosspiece is perpendicular or 90 degrees to the main part of the anchor.
http://www.relicman.com/images/B4477.jpg

 

[MOMXT]

Any updates on your button, I have been looking but can't find it on the net.

 

[quicksilver]

Hi MOMXT!
I have been inquiring at other collectible websites and button experts, but I have not received any helpful information at this time. I'll keep you (and everyone else) updated. Though, it has been suggested the back was cast (I'm not exactly sure what is meant by that). This would eliminate the backmark.

Matt