U.S. army coat button. which war???

yarddigger

Jr. Member
Jan 10, 2011
27
0
MT. Holly Arkansas
Detector(s) used
Minelab E TRAC with sunray probe

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The button is a modern era style button. They began manufacture in 1902 and the same style is still in use. I have the same button on my current uniform. I don't know the history of your dig site, but this is the 3rd or 4th of these this week. Look at my post regarding firsts. The age of the button and the presence of the tin indicate 1910-1930s era, so WW I and the Interim. Considering drawdowns post war, I would think WWI.

Hope this helps.

Keep Swinging...
 

The last photo is an aluminum condom tin.
Merry Widows.
They came in three to a pack from late 1800s to circa 1930.
Some were real rubber and re-usable. The bottom of the tin had several circles.
One dollar.

still not sure on the button..
 

Hi My Fellow TH'er Yarddigger
Alright what you have is a GI 102 General Services 2-piece with border, Great Seal Button of 1902. The device, on a lined field. This is listed in the 'Record of American Uniform and Historical Buttons' by Alphaeus H. Albert. This is listed on page 42. Anyone that tells you they have this button on their current active duty uniform is either mistaken or out of uniform. The current uniform of the US Army has a plain field (no lines) background.

As for the can, yes it is a condom container. It originally held three condoms which were reusable. Both are super finds in my book.
You will find the condom containers in Civil War encampments from time to time. I have found those buttons on older Army bases.

Keep searching that area and see if there are others to be found.
Dave
'Digger-Dave'
THing4CSA
PS: Remember; Don't leave it in the ground!
 

I've dug one of those before =) nice find !
 

Yep that is an older service button.....found lots of the lids like that too.....seems to be used alot....Is Mt Holly close to Little Rock???....see ya later.....
 

This is an image of the current service button from the uniform I am wearing in my profile picture. It is from my Army Green Class A uniform. I have neither of my Blue uniforms available but it is the same button.
 

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RF Right on, Brother! Spent 24 years in the Army, retired 22 years ago and the buttons haven't changed in 109 years.

HH
 

Hi My Fellow TH'ers
Not one to argue but look at the backside of your current US Army uniform buttons, you will see that the current button is a one piece button not as in the pictured button a two piece button. Yes the buttons have changed many times over the past 102 years (actually 109 years but who is counting?). Also look at your backmarks as the current buttons could have several different backmarks or even blank.
Enjoy the find and go dig up some more.
Dave
'Digger-Dave'
THing4CSA
PS: Remember; Don't leave it in the ground!
 

Dave, I hate to tell you my friend, however, on all three of my Dress Greens and on my Dress Blues all the buttons are two piece. All have bench marks as well. Dave, I just did a Google look up on the Army Buttons. As of this time the Army GS Button is still made in either One Piece or Two Piece. This is the same for both Officers and Enlisted members. All of mine are Two Piece.

HH

Paul
 

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