"Buttons"

Button collecting has become wide spread throughout the metal detecting hobby. Buttons are unique in many aspects. They were a personal item someone from the past touched on a daily basis, and they are usually unique in design. Certain buttons are highly sought after by collectors due to rarity. I have watched, listened, and seen others deal in buttons. I must say, out of all the things to be dug and carry a nice price tag on a continuous bases, its the military buttons from past days.

As a relic hunter, I find it to be very important to know what I'm digging. Knowing the types of buttons being dug, helps date the site you are currently digging. I would like to share with those that are interested, a few different types of buttons and what they are. There are many types of buttons, and it would take a century to post all there is to know about all the different types of buttons. These few are good starters, and some are real common in the pics, and a few are not so common.

In picture number 1 from left to right are as follows:

The first button at far left is called a great seal button. This design was adopted by the US military in 1902. This button was used by the U.S. military through W.W. II.

Take a real good look at the type of eagle being used. There are several variants of this button, but the eagle and the burst above its head basically stay the same on all of them.

You find a button with this style eagle, you now know the dates. Take a good look at this eagle, its going to change as we go.

The second button in this pic. is that of Indian war period. This button was adopted in 1875 and was used until 1902, when the U.S. government changed to the "Great Seal" style button. Notice the different character of the eagle than that of its later counterpart the great seal. There's no burst above the head. You will also notice this eagle looks similar to a chicken rather than an eagle. Most relic hunters call these chicken buttons.

The third button in the picture and far right is that of a general service button. This style button was adopted by the U.S. military in 1854. This button was used through 1875 by the U.S. military. This button is the most common civil war button to be found. Notice the different style eagle used. This looks more like an eagle than its counter part from the Indian war times. There are many variations of this button, but for the most part the basic design stays the same. If you find this button, your more than likely in a civil war site or earlier.

With all three buttons laid side by side you can see the different characteristics used by our Government with these military buttons. This is general information on these buttons and dates as well.

There are all kinds of buttons out there to be found. One of the most common buttons found is that of the flat button. I have heard many times out in the field, "just another flattie". Well, some flat buttons are the most prized to be found.

In the second pic. I have what is called an "Andrew Jackson" button. This is a flat button with nothing on the front. The back however, has the good stuff as you can see. It reads on back, "Andrew Jackson President 1829". These are extremely rare buttons, and to give you an idea of how rare they are, a Texas T. Miller button is a super button carrying an RV of around 100. This Andrew Jackson button carries an RV of 250. Don't ever count them flat buttons out of the game, always check the backs of all flat buttons. I would like to add, there's other types of backmark buttons that are good as well just like the Andrew Jackson types.

In the Third picture, I have the backs of two different style buttons. The button on the left is commonly known as a "Turret shank". This looks like a knot on the back of the button with 4 holes on each side for sewing onto the clothing. This style loop dates back well into the 1700's. This style loop is found on flat type brass and pewter buttons. The next style loop shown is that from a Spanish button. I have found a few Spanish buttons and they all have this style shank.

Its been one way I have been able to determine who wore this button. The shank is cast with the button and is basically square rather than round. These buttons are British made for the Spanish and date from around the early 1700's to the early 1800's.

The fourth picture shown is that of cuff links. I see many people ask what these are. Some folks only find half of the cuff link, and I have one shown in the pick. Cuff links come in many shapes, and sizes, and are neat to find. Many times I see a few refer to these as being tops to rings when in fact they are half of the cuff link. I have pictured the fronts and backs of some cuff links. The most important feature to memorize, is that one in the picture that is only half. You can see where the arm attached and swiveled.

There's a lot to be talked about with buttons, and there's never enough time unfortunately.

I only hope this information has helped out some, especially those new to this hobby. Next time out and you dig a great seal button, or a chicken button you will at least know something about it.

I wish you all great success in the field,

.....TR TEXASREBEL@COMPUTRON.NET