What is a eagle button?

What is a eagle button?

US General Service Button, eagle with shield, various backmarks. Button depicts spread-winged eagle facing right with patriotic shield, generally intended for enlisted troops and were widely used by both sides during the Civil War, including state units.

What were Civil War buttons made of?

Metal was a very common material for buttons during the Civil War. These buttons were not tarnish-proof and contact with finger oils, air, and the elements guaranteed these buttons did not stay shiny for very long. Both military and civilian clothing sported these tarnishing metal buttons.

Who manufactures civil war buttons?

Who were some manufacturers of buttons for Civil War soldiers?

  • D. Evans & C0.
  • Horstmann – You can find a variety of buttons marked Horstmann.
  • Scovil Mf’g Co.
  • Waterbury Button Co.
  • W. G. Mintzer – You can find buttons and button covers from this company.

How can you tell Bakelite buttons?

One way to identify a bakelite button is to run hot water over it and then smell it. It should have the smell of formaldehyde. Some say they smell like cod liver oil or have a sweet chemical smell. Another way is to put a bit of Simichrome metal polish or 409 All-Purpose Cleaner on a Q-tip and rub it on the button.

Did Waterbury make Confederate buttons?

During the Civil War, Waterbury Button Company made uniform buttons for both the Union and the Confederate forces The Union buttons were sold and delivered directly. The Confederate buttons were sold to British intermediaries and delivered by blockade runners.

How can you tell if buttons are vintage?

Here are some tricks to determine whether a button is very old:

  1. It shows signs of being handmade, such as a lack of uniformity.
  2. The button displays an antique style, such as Art Nouveau or Art Deco.
  3. The back of the button is not a uniform texture.
  4. There are no mold lines to indicate machine manufacturing.

What are old buttons worth?

In general, clothing button prices can range from a few cents to a few hundred dollars each. Only rare examples in stellar condition bring high dollar values though. Embellishments like hand painting and enameling on antique French or Victorian buttons can lead them to be worth $200 or more.

How do you clean old metal buttons?

Dip a clean, soft microfiber cloth into hot, soapy water. Rub the surface of each button with the cloth, using a soft-bristled toothbrush to work dirt out of textured buttons. Rinse the buttons clean with warm water.

How can you tell if a button is vintage?

  • September 4, 2022