Little bitty round button

CoilyGirl

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Nov 8, 2012
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Or could it be a cuff link? It has some markings( perpendicular lines) all the way around the bottom and is brass. The shank is smushed against the back of the button. You can see how big it is compared to a penny. Any guesses?

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Looks like a cuff ball button with a crease across the front. Research Zouave buttons.
 

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Y'all really think it could be a Zouave button? Cool!
 

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maybe yours isnt

Period Zouave-type Ball Buttons

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Zouave buttons were rounded "ball buttons" most often gilded in shiny brass but sometimes silvered. They were worn in long single or double rows upon showy Zouave frock coats or doublets. Earlier buttons had makers "marks" or manufacturer's notation on back of the button surround the sewing eyelet (shank). These buttons are often dug alongside more traditional State and Government-issued uniform buttons. Larger one is coat sized, non-dug specimen at 18 millimeters. Smaller is a dug vest. Backmark on brass example reads: Scovill Mfg Co. Waterbury", while the silvered coat marking reads "Extra Rich" referring to the richness or thickness of the silver plating.
Joshua's Attic Civil War Cyberspace Museum
 

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The ball buttons were also used on school uniforms and civilian clothing. It could be from a cadets uniform or a ladies dress.
 

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The ball buttons were also used on school uniforms and civilian clothing. It could be from a cadets uniform or a ladies dress.
I agree very small ball button. Not necessarily Zouave. Actually no reason to suggest it was worn on a Zouave uniform.

It a very cool old button and I think Waterbury still makes them today.
 

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Y'all really think it could be a Zouave button? Cool!
Its a myth perpetuated by some members here at TN that every ball button is a Zouave button. It can probably only be tied to Zouave if found on a CW site were they were involved. Yours is cool because it has some design. Here are some examples of ball buttons.
Waterbury Button - Uniform Buttons, Fashion Buttons, Metal Buttons, Brass Buttons. Collectibles - Civil War Buttons, Titanic, Blazer Button Sets. - Waterbury Button
 

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