Military Buttons

[z118]

I seem to be getting a fair number of these this season. I don't get the sense that any are particularly old but it never hurts to hear what the experts say. Is anything in the lot of particular interest or quality?

Thanks!

[del]

Hey Z do any of them have rusty backs ?? and the small one in the lower left corner can you post a closeup of it ??

[z118]

Hey Z do any of them have rusty backs ?? and the small one in the lower left corner can you post a closeup of it ??

Yep, they all have rusty backs. Here's a close up of the little one. I need daylight to get a clearer pic.

[del]

Z while some military buttons do have steel backed reverses (usually called tinbacks) they are somewhat uncommon. Looking at yours i'll try to tell you what they are starting with the left top and working to the right row by row.

1. eagle and anchor
is a civilian copy of the Federal navy buttons , the navy buttons are exclusively brass backs.

2. great seal
I'm not entirely sure if i see the sunburst over the eagle's head . the button is without the usual rim and probably an older pre WWI Army button 1902 to maybe 1906.

3. Eagle with shield and stars
this is pre 1902 ( somewhere around 1870 to 1890 if i had to guess) and is a little unusual in the sense the eagle is looking toward the arrows and not the normal olive branch. its probably an Army officer's button.

4. Anchor
I'm pretty confident this is a civilian dress button

5.another great seal
1902 and after this one is WWI or WWII era

6. crest or coat or arms
i believe this is also a civilian dress or blazer type button

7.Anchor
another civilian navy copy type of button

and the last item is an insignia but i'm very unfamiliar with military rank insignias
, sorry.

[RobW]

and the last item is an insignia but i'm very unfamiliar with military rank insignias
, sorry.

.....something the walking encyclopedia isn't familiar with!!!!!

[coinnut]

.....something the walking encyclopedia isn't familiar with!!!!!

I think he is leaving one for you lol

[fyrffytr1]

I think the insignia is marine Corp Corporal.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/USMC-E-4-CPL...-/140678741720

[z118]

Del,

Thank you so much for the info! I would not have though any of these were that old. Hopefully someday I'll get something other than a tinback!