Iron back US Staff ?

[Davers]

I was just cleaning up some of the relics that I have dug in the past couple weeks.

So I pulled out the One Button I found (Fig It was a Cuff US Staff Officer Button)

This one has an Iron Back And Does Not Seem that it was ever Gilded with gold.

I don't recall ever seeing one that was not gilded .

Is this type of button Normal / Common ?
Just Wondering.
Thanks
Davers

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A Handbook of Civil War Bullets and Cartridges - Grab it through Amazon!

[TheCannonballGuy]

In general, United States Military buttons do not have an iron back, because washing the uniform would cause rust-stains on it from the button's iron back. An exception to that rule is your small-size US Staff Officer ironback button that was used on a kepi-hat's leather strap, which would not show rust-staining. It dates from the civil war era through the latter-1800s... but if you dug yours at a civil war Military site it is probably from that era.

 

[Davers]

Great Id.

In general, United States Military buttons do not have an iron back, because washing the uniform would cause rust-stains on it from the button's iron back. An exception to that rule is your small-size US Staff Officer ironback button that was used on a kepi-hat's leather strap, which would not show rust-staining. It dates from the civil war era through the latter-1800s... but if you dug yours at a civil war Military site it is probably from that era.

Thanks a hole heck of a lot CannonballGuy
It likely would have taken me a lot of research & time to figure this one out.
It was Dug at a Semi-Small ( but known Battle Site) here N of Atlanta.
It's in perfect shape other than that Rust Ball on the Back .( did not mess with it too much, but you can still see the Round shank Peeking out of the rust).

Do you think a covering of clear coat to it's back is in order?
Or would it be best to keep it dry as possible.?
Thanks Again
Davers........