Great Seal Button Backmarks Help

[Bigcypresshunter]

I am assembling a list of US Army Great Seal button backmarks 1902-present.. This seems to be the most complete list available anywhere. With the help of TN members, I am occasionally adding and improving upon it. So far I have over 100 different backmarks. Anyone with a Great Seal button backmark or backmark variation not listed please post the pic and Ill add it. The thread is already so long its not necessary to add anything already pictured. Thanks.

This is how it all started:


I bought 2 bags of small Great Seal of US buttons for a buck at a flea market. Can someone help me date these backmarks? I believe they are all post 1902. I cant find anything else online.

1- Top row SCOVILL MF'G CO WATERBURY (back ungilted)
2- SCOVILL MF'G CO WATERBURY
3- Bottom CITY BUTTON WORKS - N.Y.
4- WATERBURY BUTTON CO.

 

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[fyrffytr1]

What I see is ?ork button works. Could it be New York button works?

 

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[Bigcypresshunter]

What I see is ?ork button works. Could it be New York button works?

Yep #33.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I have a tin full of GS buttons with a few more to add. I guess this is as good a time as any to add a few more. I have a very unusual GS button with the backmark U.S ARMY STANDARD *
I also have some D.EVAN'S & CO.s painted red on the backs from the factory. I dont know the reason for the red backs.

Here are a few more.


JACOB REEDS SONS PHIL.

HEIBERGER WASHINGTON

D. KLEIN & BRO PHILA. PA. (copper)

E.A. ARMSTRONG MFG. CO. CHICAGO

KREMENTZ LIBERTY BRONZE

J.R. GAUNT LONDON

L.&R. METAL PROD. N.Y


It was suggested to me that I start a website. What do you'all think? Would there be enough interest from collectors or future collectors? I think its best just to leave it here at TN. Thanks for everyones help adding to the list.

 

[fyrffytr1]

I found this one on another site. J.A.I. Hahn, Baltimore. Third pic down, in the middle with a silver back.

http://www.rubylane.com/ni/iteml/167844-8354?zoom=1

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I found this one on another site. J.A.I. Hahn, Baltimore. Third pic down, in the middle with a silver back.

http://www.rubylane.com/ni/iteml/167844-8354?zoom=1

That definitely a new one. Thanks. The spelling may have an error because I cant find it anywhere else and its hard to see but Ill add it to the list. It looks like post WWII type. “J.A.I. HAHN BALTIMORE”.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

There seems to be a need for a online list of GS button backmarks.
There is nothing online that even comes close to the list compiled here.
Heres a GS backmark from France probably WWI. Cool anchor and bomb.

MAURICE BOURDON PARIS

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

I dont know if I posted this yet but its a collection of GS buttons with more backmarks for the list.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Two more... Chesire (right) looks modern.

CHESHIRE BUTTON * CT. USA *

L & R MEDAL PROD. N.Y.

 

[Tony (NC)]

Can you post an updated list? I have another 60-70 or so to clean. So there may be a few more for the list.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Can you post an updated list? I have another 60-70 or so to clean. So there may be a few more for the list.

1- SCOVILL MF'G CO WATERBURY (back ungilted) WWI (1850-1865 backmark)
2- SCOVILL MF'G CO WATERBURY WWI (1850-1865 backmark)
3- SCOVILL MF'G CO. * WATERBURY * 1902-1918 (1870s-? backmark)
4- SCOVILL MF'G CO. WATERBURY CT. WWI (1870s-? backmark)
5- SCOVILL M'FG CO. WATERBURY (ring of dots) 1902 (1860-1880 backmark)
6- WATERBURY BUTTON CO. * 1849-1965
7- WATERBURY BUTTON CO. *CONN.* pre 1965
8- WATERBURY COS INC CONN post 1965
9- W W W W (waterbury) modern
10- W.B. CO.
11- CITY BUTTON WORKS - N.Y.- WWI (Erlanger & Liebmann),
12- CITY BUTTON WORKS- NEW YORK- 1877-1923
13- US PRODUCTS CORP
14- R. LIEBMANN MFG CO WWI
15 R. LIEBMANN MFG. CO.-NEWARK NJ- WWI-?
16- R.L. MFG Co Newark N.J. WWI-?
17- THE AUSTIN CO. PROVIDENCE R.I.
18- HORSTMANN *** PHILA *** 1893-1935
19- ARNSTEIN SIMON & CO. * S.F. * WWI
20- N.S. MEYERS * NEW YORK * 1906-2000 (in business in NY)
21- AMERICAN BUTTON CO. *NEWARK N.J.* 1901-1920
22- AM. BUTTON CO *NEWARK, N.J.* 1902-1917
23- AMERICAN EMBLEM CO. UTICA N.Y. WWI
24- UNIQUE ART MFG CO. NEWARK, N. J.
25- THE ART METAL WORKS, NEWARK, N.J.
26- ART METAL WORKS INC -NEWARK, N.J.- 1900-1930 approx.
27- METAL SPECIALTIES Co. ATTLESBURG, MASS. 1940-1945 (painted black)
28- CHAS. FISCHER SPG. CO. NEW YORK WWII?
29- * SUPERIOR QUALITY *
30- GREENWOOD CO * DETROIT MICH *
31- COL BUT WKS RUTHERFORD N.J. WWI
32- COLUMBIA BUTTON WKS*RUTHERFORD,N.J.* WWI
33- NEW YORK BUTTON WORKS WWI (found in France)
34- S & J WATERBURY CT. WWI (found in France)
35- STEELE & JOHNSON * WATERBURY CT * WWI (found in France)
36- JEWELERS PRODUCTS CORP. PROV. R.I. WWI (found in France)
37- SUPREME 172 QUALITY
38- REX PRODUCTS CORP * NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. * 1902-WWII
39- D. EVANS & CO. * NO. ATTLEBORO, MASS. (red back) 1848-1945
40- D. EVANS & CO. N.A. WWI (found in France)
41- D. EVANS & CO ATTLEBORO FALLS WWI
42- * SUPERIOR QUALITY *
43- MADE IN ENGLAND (anodized aluminum front)
44- S. EISENER CO. RED BANK N.J. WWI (in business1859-1925)
45- SIGMUND EISNER RED BANK N.J WWI " " " "
46- Art in Buttons U S U. S. A. (vegetable ivory)
47- ? N.Y. (pressed vegetable ivory) war years
48- C KENYON CO. NEW YORK WWI- 1930
49- BROOKS.BROTHERS *NEW YORK* ENGLAND 1902-1910.
50- L.A. MYERS. JR. INC. NEWARK N.J.
51- H.V. ALLIEN & CO. NEW YORK
52- DUSENBURY & SCHWAB INC. NEW YORK 229 4TH AVE.
53- LUXENBERG NEW YORK MADE IN ENGLAND
54- ROSENFIELD & RAPKIN * BOSTON, MASS.
55- WARNOCK UNIFORM CO *NEW YORK* (made from horn)
56- G J & F PARIS
57- H W I SCHWAB INC NEW YORK
58- THE J.E. MERGOTT CO. NEWARK, N. J.
59- JAMES C. DORAN & SONS PROVIDENCE R.I.
60- CORD 22
61- TIFFANY & CO. MAKERS ** M ** (14K gold blazer) 1907-1947
62- JACOB REED'S SONS * PHILA. * in business 1880-1983
63- A M & Co. 23 M PARIS
64- B.PASQUALE CO., S. FRAN., CAL. in business 1854-1970's
65- GEMSCO, N.Y.
66- SHIELDS INC. ATTLEBORO, MASS.
67- FINE QUALITY
68- ZELL PRODUCTS CORP. N.Y.C.
69- S.N. MEYER WASHINGTON D.C. in business 1890-1925
70- BADGER MFG. CO. RACINE, WI.
71- JOHNSON * MILANO * WWI (made in Italy)
72- MARSHALL FIELD & CO. CHIC ILL
73- U.S ARMY STANDARD *
74- JACOB REEDS SONS PHIL.
75- HEIBERGER WASHINGTON
76- D. KLEIN & BRO PHILA. PA. (copper)
77- E.A. ARMSTRONG MFG. CO. CHICAGO
78- KREMENTZ LIBERTY BRONZE
79- J.R. GAUNT LONDON
80- L.&R. METAL PROD. N.Y
81- CHESHIRE BUTTON * CT. USA *
82- L & R MEDAL PROD. N.Y.
83- MAURICE BOURDON PARIS
84- * (vegetable ivory) WWII
85- WOLCOTT MF'G CO. PROVIDENCE RI. in business 1906-1922

 

[Tony (NC)]

Another one for the list....

This is a 15mm Great Seal. The back mark is "WOLCOTT MF'G CO PROVIDENCE RI"

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Another one for the list....

This is a 15mm Great Seal. The back mark is "WOLCOTT MF'G CO PROVIDENCE RI"

Thats another rare WWI backmark Tony. I can find no mention of this backmark on the internet. I would not know of its existence if you had not posted this pic. Ill add it to the list. I want to thank you and other TN members for assembling the best GS button backmark list available.

About the maker: Wolcott Manufacturing Company- Providence, RI. Established 1906, listed through 1922. Manufacturers of gold, gold plate, gold filled, sterling silver jewelry, chains, buckles, rosaries, and bracelets. http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/wolcott-victorian-guillochafa-enamel-holly

 

[Tony (NC)]

It's been fun so far....

I still have another 50+ to clean yet. So maybe there will be more. By the way....what about an 18MM with a blank BM? Didn't know if you are counting the blanks, but I got one yesterday.

 

[txconservative]

Button I found today... I'd like to add it to your collection

Found it at an old family farm/homestead site....Dates back to 1900's.....

Believe it is a WWI button...Dad's friend (it is his family's property) said his grandpa was in WWI.....

AMERICAN BUTTON COMPANY NEWARK, NJ....

It is beautiful.

 

[Tony (NC)]

Yours is No. 21 on the list

Button I found today... I'd like to add it to your collection

Found it at an old family farm/homestead site....Dates back to 1900's.....

Believe it is a WWI button...Dad's friend (it is his family's property) said his grandpa was in WWI.....

AMERICAN BUTTON COMPANY NEWARK, NJ....

It is beautiful.

Roll up a few posts and you will see the complete list of back marks. Your button dates 1902-1920. Nice find!

 

[turtlefoot13]

BigCy - I sent you a PM concerning a backmark on a Great Seal button that I got today.

Doug

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: It's been fun so far....

I still have another 50+ to clean yet. So maybe there will be more. By the way....what about an 18MM with a blank BM? Didn't know if you are counting the blanks, but I got one yesterday.

I have some blanks as well. I dont know who made them.

 

[DigginThePast]

BCH - There is a ton of info in this thread, most of it by you, and we get a ton of buttons posted here on T-Net. Why not compile (no small task I know) the information in this thread into one post that can be used as a reference guide. When complete ask if it could be stickied to the top and locked by you. You could then add new info as it came along without the thread getting bogged down with posts.

Would be a great reference for all.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

BigCy - I sent you a PM concerning a backmark on a Great Seal button that I got today.

Doug

It may be an error but Ill add it as rare. PAT. 54296 RENEWED '35

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,354486.0.html

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

BCH - There is a ton of info in this thread, most of it by you, and we get a ton of buttons posted here on T-Net. Why not compile (no small task I know) the information in this thread into one post that can be used as a reference guide. When complete ask if it could be stickied to the top and locked by you. You could then add new info as it came along without the thread getting bogged down with posts.

Would be a great reference for all.

I realize this thread has gotten carried away but I dont want to lock out future input from members. The list is ongoing and a good GS backmark reference; none better can be found online. Maybe it should be moved but where?

I am constantly updating the list with the latest entries in red and you only need to look to the latest post and the updated compiled list will be near. Thanks for the thoughts.


1- SCOVILL MF'G CO WATERBURY (back ungilted) WWI (1850-1865 backmark)
2- SCOVILL MF'G CO WATERBURY WWI (1850-1865 backmark)
3- SCOVILL MF'G CO. * WATERBURY * 1902-1918 (1870s-? backmark)
4- SCOVILL MF'G CO. WATERBURY CT. WWI (1870s-? backmark)
5- SCOVILL M'FG CO. WATERBURY (ring of dots) 1902 (1860-1880 backmark)
6- WATERBURY BUTTON CO. * 1849-1965
7- WATERBURY BUTTON CO. *CONN.* pre 1965
8- WATERBURY COS INC CONN post 1965
9- W W W W (waterbury) modern
10- W.B. CO.
11- CITY BUTTON WORKS - N.Y.- WWI (Erlanger & Liebmann),
12- CITY BUTTON WORKS- NEW YORK- 1877-1923
13- US PRODUCTS CORP
14- R. LIEBMANN MFG CO WWI
15 R. LIEBMANN MFG. CO.-NEWARK NJ- WWI-?
16- R.L. MFG Co Newark N.J. WWI-?
17- THE AUSTIN CO. PROVIDENCE R.I.
18- HORSTMANN *** PHILA *** 1893-1935
19- ARNSTEIN SIMON & CO. * S.F. * WWI
20- N.S. MEYERS * NEW YORK * 1906-2000 (in business in NY)
21- AMERICAN BUTTON CO. *NEWARK N.J.* 1901-1920
22- AM. BUTTON CO *NEWARK, N.J.* 1902-1917
23- AMERICAN EMBLEM CO. UTICA N.Y. WWI
24- UNIQUE ART MFG CO. NEWARK, N. J. 1916-1952 approx.
25- THE ART METAL WORKS, NEWARK, N.J.
26- ART METAL WORKS INC -NEWARK, N.J.- 1900-1930 approx.
27- METAL SPECIALTIES Co. ATTLESBURG, MASS. 1940-1945 (painted black)
28- CHAS. FISCHER SPG. CO. NEW YORK WWII?
29- * SUPERIOR QUALITY *
30- GREENWOOD CO * DETROIT MICH *
31- COL BUT WKS RUTHERFORD N.J. WWI
32- COLUMBIA BUTTON WKS*RUTHERFORD,N.J.* WWI
33- NEW YORK BUTTON WORKS WWI (found in France)
34- S & J WATERBURY CT. WWI (found in France)
35- STEELE & JOHNSON * WATERBURY CT * WWI (found in France)
36- JEWELERS PRODUCTS CORP. PROV. R.I. WWI (found in France)
37- SUPREME 172 QUALITY
38- REX PRODUCTS CORP * NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. * 1902-WWII
39- D. EVANS & CO. * NO. ATTLEBORO, MASS. (red back) 1848-1945
40- D. EVANS & CO. N.A. WWI (found in France)
41- D. EVANS & CO ATTLEBORO FALLS WWI
42- * SUPERIOR QUALITY *
43- MADE IN ENGLAND (anodized aluminum front)
44- S. EISENER CO. RED BANK N.J. WWI (in business1859-1925)
45- SIGMUND EISNER RED BANK N.J WWI " " " "
46- Art in Buttons U S U. S. A. (vegetable ivory)
47- ? N.Y. (pressed vegetable ivory) war years
48- C KENYON CO. NEW YORK WWI- 1930
49- BROOKS.BROTHERS *NEW YORK* ENGLAND 1902-1910.
50- L.A. MYERS. JR. INC. NEWARK N.J.
51- H.V. ALLIEN & CO. NEW YORK 1877-1948
52- DUSENBURY & SCHWAB INC. NEW YORK 229 4TH AVE.
53- LUXENBERG NEW YORK MADE IN ENGLAND
54- ROSENFIELD & RAPKIN * BOSTON, MASS.
55- WARNOCK UNIFORM CO *NEW YORK* (made from horn)
56- G J & F PARIS
57- H W I SCHWAB INC NEW YORK
58- THE J.E. MERGOTT CO. NEWARK, N. J.
59- JAMES C. DORAN & SONS PROVIDENCE R.I.
60- CORD 22
61- TIFFANY & CO. MAKERS ** M ** (14K gold blazer) 1907-1947
62- JACOB REED'S SONS * PHILA. * in business 1880-1983
63- A M & Co. 23 M PARIS
64- B.PASQUALE CO., S. FRAN., CAL. in business 1854-1970's
65- GEMSCO, N.Y.
66- SHIELDS INC. ATTLEBORO, MASS.
67- FINE QUALITY
68- ZELL PRODUCTS CORP. N.Y.C.
69- S.N. MEYER WASHINGTON D.C. in business 1890-1925
70- BADGER MFG. CO. RACINE, WI.
71- JOHNSON * MILANO * WWI (made in Italy)
72- MARSHALL FIELD & CO. CHIC ILL
73- U.S ARMY STANDARD *
74- JACOB REEDS SONS PHIL.
75- HEIBERGER WASHINGTON
76- D. KLEIN & BRO PHILA. PA. (copper)
77- E.A. ARMSTRONG MFG. CO. CHICAGO
78- KREMENTZ LIBERTY BRONZE
79- J.R. GAUNT LONDON
80- L.&R. METAL PROD. N.Y
81- CHESHIRE BUTTON * CT. USA *
82- L & R MEDAL PROD. N.Y.
83- MAURICE BOURDON PARIS
84- * (vegetable ivory) WWII
85- WOLCOTT MF'G CO. PROVIDENCE RI. in business 1906-1922
86- PAT. 54296 RENEWED '35 rare 1935-46 manufacturers error of 1919 patent
87- ATTLEBORO
88- (blank)