Union Navy

[miller6670]

I found this button, of all places , in Raleigh, NC. It was close to several Antebellum homes. I believe it is Union Navy, but yet again I'm not sure? The button measures 3/4 in Dia. The makers mark is Gem & Co. N.Y. or Gemsco, N.Y. My book has a few similar, but not exact.

 

[miller6670]

I have found a couple in my book that are Confederate and look similar. Is there any chance this is Confederate? I would really like to find out more about this one... :yes:

 

[sectshun8]

I'd say 1850's - 1875ish Union Navy.

 

[John M]

I'm not familiar with those back marks.Did a search on Gemsco and the results show more modern military items circa WW II.I can't help out on this one so far.

 

[miller6670]

Hey there is a chance it is WWII era. Just not sure. Thanks for looking into it :yes:

 

[tanacat]

Very cool find 8) I like buttons....

 

[miller6670]

Very cool find 8) I like buttons....

I do too. I have over a hundred....lol. Most are just flat buttons, but I hold on to them any way lol

 

[coinnut]

I do too. I have over a hundred....lol. Most are just flat buttons, but I hold on to them any way lol

Most of the time flat buttons are not worth anything. I have lots of them too......but there is a flat button that is RARE!! It's plain on the front and on the back it says MONROE. It was a secret way to promote your political views. Not Kidding it would be a great find!! :yes:

 

[miller6670]

Most of the time flat buttons are not worth anything. I have lots of them too......but there is a flat button that is RARE!! It's plain on the front and on the back it says MONROE. It was a secret way to promote your political views. Not Kidding it would be a great find!! :yes:

No kidding, I didn't know that....Looks like I'm going through all those buttons again.... lol

 

[coinnut]

No kidding, I didn't know that....Looks like I'm going through all those buttons again.... lol

I went through about 200 of them - NO LUCK lol I got another 100 or so to do.

 

[RickO]

Buttons are very interesting... there are many collectors out there and a lot of history around them. RickO

 

[PioneerBob]

hi...

Just looked up the button manufacturer Gem Co/Ny in a button book I have American Military Button Makers And Dealers; Their backmarks and dates by McGuire and Baselon.

Gems Co was first listed as a Army and Navy miltary supplier in 1922. The company is still in business.

PB