✅ SOLVED Need help identifying this gilt button with a large Eagle on it.

[Cycluran]

Just scanning down a dirt road and I pulled an Indian Head Penny (that I would appreciate some cleaning advice on), and this nearly quarter-sized Eagle Button that I haven't found a match for yet. When I dug it, I rubbed the dirt off out of habit and severed the loop, but the front looks pretty impressive; no shield, just a big honkin' eagle, gold still visible in the crevices.

 

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[creskol]

Looks German

 

[Hunters Haven-NC]

looks German. seem like I've had some coins one time with that bird on them. just a guess though.

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

The eagle's wing design and (in particular) its "trilobate" tail are extremely close to the Prussian (German) Empire eagle of the 1800s through 1918. Here's a photo of a World War One era German Army NCO eagle-button.

But your eagle lacks the Prussian emblem on its chest and has no crown above the eagle's head. It MIGHT be a civilian-clothing "Fashion" button. Does it have a brass back with a read-able backmark?

 

[Cycluran]

OMG! You're right! It's a German Imperial Eagle. What the heck is that doing in Virginia?

 

[Cycluran]

The eagle's wing design and (in particular) its "trilobate" tail are extremely close to the Prussian (German) Empire eagle of the 1800s through 1918. Here's a photo of a World War One era German Army NCO eagle-button.

But your eagle lacks the Prussian emblem on its chest and has no crown above the eagle's head. It MIGHT be a civilian-clothing "Fashion" button. Does it have a brass back with a read-able backmark?

Brass back, yes, but there's no readable backmark. Just a few concentric circles. The patina is pretty thick, so it might be covering something up.

 

[surf]

WHAT BECAME OF THE HESSIANS? -- THEY ARE STILL HERE - One of the Mysteries of American History Solved -- The Mercenaries Captured by Washington Settled in Virginia and Their Descendants Are There Yet. - Article - NYTimes.com

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[Cycluran]

Wow. I just read all about the Hessians and GEN Washington, the Battle of Trenton, their capture and eventual release in Virginia. This may be the answer, and you can bet I'm going back to find more evidence!

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Regarding the Prussian/German eagle on your button, please check the info in an earlier discussion here at TreasureNet:
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/350297-medal-pinback.html