Old one piece Eagle button... but how old?

[relic lover]

this was my first find at a new site. it is about the size of a US nickel it is convex the eagle is facing left there are stars around the outside of the field. the back mark it just says Imperial London. in between the words Imperial London are four stars in the shape of a diamond. what I would like to know is is this a militia button? and how old is it?

 

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[burglarifyoulike]

I found one very similar to that awhile back, although the back mark is different. Will try to find the old post

 

[burglarifyoulike]

Very nice, by the way!

 

[relic lover]

Very nice, by the way!

thanks there's a great story to go with it I will put in today's find after I find out what it is

 

[burglarifyoulike]

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/today-s-finds/203134-nice-find-i-hope-after-long-dry-spell.html
The link to my old post- with a horrible picture, mind you, but info from the others is good

 

[burglarifyoulike]

thanks there's a great story to go with it I will put in today's find after I find out what it is

Can't wait to read it!!

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Relic lover wrote:
> I would like to know is is this a militia button? and how old is it?

Your 1-piece brass button showing a raised-wings eagle surrounded by stars and not having a shield on its chest is a state militia and local militia button, not US Army issue. Its 1-piece brass construction and "Imperial London" backmark (in raised-mark lettering) means it was made in Britain sometime between the first decade of the 1800s and the late-1820s (with a gap from the War-of-1812 through about 10 years later). It is shown in the button book by Alphaeus H. Albert as button GI-67.

 

[relic lover]

Thanks very much. I cannot wait to see what turns up next I am hoping to get my first bust silver this is the spot that could give it up.