Found some buttons I need help with

[Bev]

I found a few interesting buttons the other day but I just don't know a whole lot about buttons. I numbered them so it wouldnt be confusing.
1. has "SUAREZ" on the back along with what seems like "HABANA".
2. The round one has no marks.
3. says, "GUARANTEED (something) QUALITY"
4. is toast.
5. says, "CITY BUTTON WORKS"?
6. Toast
7. doesn't seem to have anything on it.

I did try my best but buttons just arent my thing I think.

Thanks for any help!

 

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[CC Hunter]

Hi Bev,

Nice work on the photos and numbering plan.

Here's my take:

1. Company (corporation or similar) button. Circa 20th century. U.S. made (likely Waterbury), for a Cuban company reseller (hence the Habana RE: Havana backmark)

2. Ball button, sometimes referred to as a Zouve or cadet style button due to the similar buttons used on corresponding military uniforms. Ball buttons also turn up in civilian context, so the style was apparently used on other clothing as well. Time frame covers much of the 19th century on these, with use over several decades.

3. Civilian "gilt" style button, similar to "flat" buttons of the era, though slightly convex. The backmark is a Quality type mark as was popular during the period. Appears To be GUARANTEED BEST QUALITY. Likely American made or British import. Circa 1830's or so.

4. Toast: Would you like butter or jam with this?

5. U.S. Great Seal Military Button. Style was first adopted in 1902, and saw use through both World Wars and the Vietnam War era.

6. Toast: Peanut butter for this one?

7. Appears to be a well made two-piece button of the late 19th century. Possibly foreign merchant marine.

P.S. The "Toast" buttons are both contemporary (fairly modern) copies of earlier style military buttons. These are often referred to as "blazer" or "sport coat" buttons. They typically have inferior die-work, along with thin steel backs that rapidly rust away when buried in the ground. These buttons were worn on suit coats and similar designs are seen right up to present day. Popular style are European crests, military designs, along with navy anchors and such.

CC Hunter

 

[Bev]

Awesome help! More than I could have hoped for and much better than anything I couldve done! Buttons are really really difficult!

I prefer peanut butter with thin slices of banana on top! Maybe some tea with brandy on the side!

I always wondered how to tell one of these buttons from a sportcoat button. I remember the anchor button being so popular in the 70's. I almost thought these had to be repos seeing they were all in the same area. I'm never lucky enough to find so many I guess you never know!

Thank you so much- you're the best!

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Nice finds.

I agree with CC the CITY BUTTON WORKS is US Army, most likely WWI.

The HABANA button is cool and is the first I have seen.
The SRCO looks familiar.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Note that the CITY BUTTON WORKS NEW YORK may be WWII as they were in business til 1955, according to my old research on Great Seal button backmarks. . Note may be mistakes.. http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,212590.0.html

 

[fyrffytr1]

Do I see periods after the S and R on the first button? Suarez is part of the Habana, Cuba area so this button may have come from there.

 

[baspinall]

Bev here is a site I use a lot for military buttons.

http://www.thetreasuredepot.com/cayenna/index.html

Brian

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I admit that I do not know the best way to clean buttons but can you clean them up a bit?

 

[Bev]

I'm told to take a toothpick on it's side so you scrap off the crud but leave just enough crud in the lettering so it can be read. I rinsed them and took a toothbrush to them after the toothpick scraping but not much more. I'll try a little more though...
The SRCO button does only seem to have the periods after the S and R only so, S.R. Company possibly?