Military or Civilian anchor button?

[oxbowbarefoot]

Anyone know if this this button is military or civilian? Looks to be a two piece, that had an iron back that is pretty corroded.

 

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[duggap]

Yours is civilian fashion or blazer button. The military variety never has an iron back.

 

[relic lover]

First impression is civilian but I can't seem to find one like it

 

[oxbowbarefoot]

Yours is civilian fashion or blazer button. The military variety never has an iron back.

Thats what I was thinking.

 

[bill from lachine]

Definitely civilian blazer button I've found quite a few similar ones with the rusted backs.

Regards + HH

Bill

 

[fyrffytr1]

21375 - Anchors - Waterbury Button

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

It is a civilian-usage imitation of a British Merchant Navy button.
Navy buttons
The reason it is definitely civilian:
Uniforms which get exposed to salty air and saltwater should not use iron/steel-back buttons, which can cause rust/corrosion stains on the uniform cloth. So actual military-issue Navy uniform buttons don't have an iron/steel back.

There is an exception to that rule. In the past, US Navy kepi (hat) strap 13mm buttons sometimes had an iron/steel back, because staining doesn't show on the black leather strap.