General Service Button - Why so small?

[BioProfessor]

I found this button while hunting in an area north of Savannah, GA that has history going all the way back to the Revolutionary war. I am pretty sure it is a General Service button as I have found many others both here and in the UK. They all have the Eagle, stars, etc. My problem with this button is its size. I have never found or seen one this small. Even buttons I have found that were IDed as Cuff Buttons were larger than this one. Snap? But for what?

Anyone have information on what purpose this button would have served and any idea of the era?

Thanks,

Daryl

 

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[ivan salis]

on hats -- chin strap button -- one button on each side -- if chin strap not in use its pushed up on hat in front

 

[BioProfessor]

Thanks Ivan. Modern then?

Daryl

 

[ivan salis]

old---maybe seminole war 1830 or war of 1812 could be --thats my guess is there a "letter" on the birds chest?

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Great find Doc.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

on hats -- chin strap button -- one button on each side -- if chin strap not in use its pushed up on hat in front

Im not disagreeing with you Ivan, but it would be nice to see a picture or link.

 

[ivan salis]

google --- 1812 shako hats -- you'll see what I'm talking about --buttons on the sides of the hat

 

[BioProfessor]

Ivan,

When I look at the hats I can find good pictures of, the chinstrap has little slides on them. Are you talking about the buttons that attach the chin strap to the hat? If so, the ones I see are more the size of a regular button. Were there different sizes on different style hats? First hat button I've had to deal with.

Thanks,

Daryl

 

[ivan salis]

yes button that attaches chin strap to hat -- sizes varied by type / maker.

 

[BioProfessor]

Ivan,

No letter in the shield. Just horizontal bar and vertical lines.

Daryl

 

[ivan salis]

common foot soldier most likely --often "specialist" troops had letters -- A for artillery --D for dragoon -- sometimes I for infantry --unmarked or "plain" was normally "general" foot soldiers

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I searched but cannot find an exact match. Find a picture and we can call it solved. I did find a picture of the backside of a pair of US Infantry Shako hat strap buttons, if it helps any. These may be later years. So many different manufacturers and I know nothing about them. http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=122910847
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=122910847

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I found a link on 19th century shako hat buttons but I dont see yours listed. Scroll down. Are you sure about this eagle being used on shako hats??

http://images.google.com/imgres?img...d+rifles+pin&start=20&ndsp=20&um=1&hl=en&sa=N

 

[ivan salis]

smaller type buttons * used for chin straps or to hold leather bands on hats early 1800's era--- thats was my "best guess" taking the the over all styling, looks & size into account . I could be wrong .