Posted 14 years ago
xmjohn4
(1 item)
This button was found on the ground near a parking lot in Hybla Valley in eastern Fairfax County, Virginia, just south of Alexandria and Washington, DC. An expert on American Civil War buttons said it probably was an early 20th century militia or police button. One can only read "SUPERIOR" and "MADE IN" on one side of the reverse (back). He thought it might have been made by "J. R. Gaunt..."
I would appreciate it if anyone could identify its history.
This is a Louisiana State Seal Button and it's post civil war. The banner at the bottom says, " Union, Justice, Confidence". The back says "Made in England" but I'm not sure why he would think it was made by Gaunt since Gaunt always back-marked their Buttons.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/California-State-Button-Society/86452353290
Thanks for the info. I guess that the exact historical provenience of the button will remain a mystery. At least I have some info and am greatly appreciative.
Mike Johnson
Your welcome Mike! Buttons bearing designs based upon the State seal or upon the Territorial seal were worn by many United States Militia units, particularly during the civil war. By the end of the 1800's, the Federal Government had assumed the greater part of the maintenance and training of State volunteers. With government control came a move towards standardization and the sometimes colorful uniforms and Buttons of the men were replaced by U.S. Army regulation uniforms and Buttons. State seal militia Buttons and special militia insignia buttons in general were largely obsolete by the First World War. That's why they are so collectible today. Even the post Civil War Buttons can fetch a pretty penny, if it's rare enough. The maker of your Button sadly remains anonymous! :)