Introduction to Civil War Buttons
Civil War buttons continue to be discovered today, whether through archaeological digs at battle sites, metal detecting in historic areas, or among family heirlooms passed down through generations. This comprehensive guide will help you identify authentic Civil War buttons, understand their historical significance, and determine their potential value in today’s collector’s market.
Civil War Button Facts
Union forces used over 10 million uniform buttons during the war
Confederate buttons are typically 10-15x rarer than Union examples
Well-preserved buttons with backmarks can sell for $50-$2,500+
Most Civil War buttons were made of brass or gilt brass
Over 3,000 different button designs existed during the Civil War era
Materials and Manufacturing
Most Civil War buttons were made from brass, a durable alloy of copper and zinc. While brass was the predominant material, you might also encounter:
- Gilt Brass: Brass buttons with a thin gold wash for officers
- Pewter: Used for some Confederate buttons due to material shortages
- Silver: Rare, typically only for high-ranking officers
- Iron: Occasionally used for Confederate buttons late in the war
The manufacturing process typically involved:
- Stamping the design onto a brass disk
- Adding a shank (attachment loop) to the back
- Applying plating or wash if required (for officer buttons)
- Adding a manufacturer’s backmark (on most Union and some Confederate buttons)
Union Button Identification
Federal Eagle Designs
The most common Union button design features an eagle with spread wings. These eagle buttons typically include:
- An eagle with a shield on its breast
- Wings spread in a horizontal or upward position
- Often clutching arrows or an olive branch
- “E Pluribus Unum” on a ribbon (on some designs)
Different branches of service had specific eagle designs:
- Infantry: Eagle facing left with shield and arrows
- Artillery: Eagle with crossed cannons below
- Cavalry: Eagle with crossed sabers or the letter “C”
- Navy: Eagle facing left standing on a horizontal anchor
State Buttons
Union state buttons featured state-specific designs and were worn by state militia units. Common examples include:
- New York: State seal with “Excelsior” motto
- Massachusetts: Arm holding sword with Latin motto
- Pennsylvania: State coat of arms with horses
- Connecticut: Grapevines with Latin motto
Button Sizes and Purposes
Civil War buttons came in different sizes for different uniform positions:
- Coat Size: Large buttons, approximately 22-23mm in diameter
- Cuff Size: Smaller buttons, approximately 14-15mm in diameter
- Vest Size: Medium buttons, approximately 18-19mm in diameter
Backmarks
One of the most important identification features of authentic Union buttons is the backmark - a manufacturer’s stamp on the reverse side. Common Civil War-era manufacturers include:
- Scovill Manufacturing Co.
- Waterbury Button Co.
- Horstmann & Sons
- W.H. Smith
Backmarks often include the manufacturer’s name, location, and sometimes quality indicators like “EXTRA QUALITY” or “TREBLE GILT.”
Confederate Button Identification
Confederate Design Types
Confederate buttons fall into several categories:
- Block “I”: Worn by Confederate Infantry
- Block “A”: Worn by Confederate Artillery
- Block “C”: Worn by Confederate Cavalry
- State Seal Buttons: Featuring designs from Southern states
- CSA Buttons: Featuring the letters “CSA” in various designs
- Star Buttons: Featuring stars representing the Confederacy
Confederate State Buttons
Confederate state buttons are highly prized by collectors and feature designs specific to Southern states:
- Alabama: State coat of arms with “ALABAMA” text
- Georgia: State seal with pillars and arch
- North Carolina: State capitol building
- South Carolina: Palmetto tree and crescent
- Virginia: Standing figure with spear and “SICA SEMPER TYRANNIS”
Confederate Button Manufacturers
Due to the Union blockade, the Confederacy relied heavily on imported buttons and local manufacturing. Look for these backmarks on Confederate buttons:
- S.B. Smith & Co. (Charleston)
- P. Tait & Co. (Limerick, Ireland)
- Courtney & Tennent (Charleston)
- Hyde & Goodrich (New Orleans)
Many Confederate buttons lack backmarks entirely, especially those made later in the war when materials were scarce.
Dating and Authenticating Civil War Buttons
Visual Examination
Begin with a visual inspection looking for:
- Appropriate Patina: Civil War buttons should have a natural aged appearance
- Wear Patterns: Look for authentic wear consistent with age and use
- Shank Style: Wire shanks or cast-in-place shanks are typical of the period
- Design Details: Compare to known authentic examples in reference books
Authentication Checklist
Check these factors when authenticating Civil War buttons
- Button shows appropriate patina for its age (150+ years)
- Backmark matches known Civil War era manufacturers
- Design is consistent with documented Civil War patterns
- Material appears to be period-appropriate (usually brass)
- Shank style matches Civil War era construction methods
- Weight and thickness consistent with period examples
Backmark Analysis
Backmarks are crucial for authentication:
- Research the manufacturer to confirm they were operating during the Civil War
- Compare the exact backmark style to reference guides
- Look for appropriate font styles and text layouts consistent with the period
Context and Provenance
The button’s discovery context can provide important authentication clues:
- Buttons found at documented Civil War sites have higher likelihood of authenticity
- Family heirlooms with documented provenance are more trustworthy
- Collections with established provenance may contain authentic examples
Common Reproduction Warning Signs
- Machine-made Shanks: Modern machine-made shanks look different from hand-attached period examples
- Artificial Patina: Chemical treatments used to simulate age often have an unnatural appearance
- Incorrect Backmarks: Reproductions may have inaccurate or fantasy backmarks
- Wrong Materials: Modern alloys have different compositions than 19th-century brass
- Casting Flaws: Many reproductions are cast from original buttons and show loss of detail
Civil War Button Value Ranges
Current market values based on 2023 auction and dealer prices
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Evolution of American Military Buttons
- 1775-1783
Revolutionary War Era
Early American military buttons featured simple designs with regimental numbers or state symbols. Typically made of pewter or brass with hand-soldered shanks. - 1784-1860
Early Republic and Antebellum
Standardized Federal eagle designs emerged. Manufacturing improved with machine-stamped designs and better attachment methods. Backmarks became common. - 1861-1865
Civil War Period
Peak production of military buttons with highly standardized designs. Union buttons manufactured in large quantities while Confederate buttons varied widely due to supply constraints. - 1866-1900
Post-Civil War
Design modifications to Federal buttons, including changes to eagle positioning and shield details. Improvements in gilding technology. - 1900-Present
Modern Era
Transition to more standardized buttons across service branches. Introduction of plastic and synthetic materials for some applications.
Preservation and Care
Cleaning Considerations
The most important rule for Civil War button preservation is: less is more. Never aggressively clean historic buttons, as their patina is part of their value and authenticity.
For buttons discovered through metal detecting:
- Gently rinse with distilled water to remove soil
- Allow to air dry completely
- Use a soft brush (like a toothbrush) for stubborn dirt
- NEVER use metal polishes, chemical cleaners, or abrasives
For buttons from collections or family heirlooms:
- Avoid cleaning if the button is stable
- Handle with clean cotton gloves or clean hands
- If necessary, dust with a very soft brush
- Store properly to prevent further deterioration
Storage Recommendations
Proper storage will help preserve your buttons for generations:
- Use acid-free paper or archival containers
- Store in a climate-controlled environment
- Avoid plastic containers that can trap moisture
- Consider individual coin holders for valuable specimens
- Keep detailed records of provenance and acquisition information
Notable Civil War Button Auction Sales
Recent auction highlights from major sales
| Category | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Common Union Eagle Buttons | $35-$150 | Condition dependent; higher with clear backmarks |
| Union State Buttons | $75-$300 | Rarity varies by state; NY most common |
| Confederate "CSA" Buttons | $300-$1,200 | Significantly higher for rare variants |
| Confederate State Buttons | $250-$2,500+ | SC, GA, and NC buttons particularly valuable |
| Confederate Naval Buttons | $500-$3,000+ | Among the rarest Confederate buttons |
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Metal Detecting for Civil War Buttons
If you’re interested in searching for Civil War buttons through metal detecting, keep these important considerations in mind:
Research and Permissions: Always obtain proper permissions and permits. Never detect on protected battlefields or national parks without authorization.
Equipment Selection: Use a metal detector with good discrimination capabilities that can distinguish between button materials and other metals.
Responsible Recovery: Use minimally invasive techniques to recover artifacts, and always fill your holes.
Documentation: Record precise GPS coordinates and context of each find.
Legal Considerations: Familiarize yourself with local, state, and federal laws regarding artifact recovery and ownership.
Archaeological Ethics: Consider working with professional archaeologists or historical societies to ensure your finds contribute to historical knowledge.
External Resources for Civil War Button Collectors
Relicman Civil War Button Index
Comprehensive catalog of Civil War buttons with detailed images and identification information.
Inkspot Antiques: US Uniform Buttons
Detailed reference guide for identifying US military buttons through various eras.
US Militaria Forum - Civil War Button Identification
Active forum with experts who can help identify challenging Civil War buttons.
Civil War Buttons Reference Guides
Overview of essential reference books and guides for Civil War button collectors.
CivilWarButtons.com
Online shop with authentic Civil War buttons and educational information about identification.
Waterbury Button Company History
Historical information on one of the primary manufacturers of Civil War era buttons.
Recommended Reference Books
“Civil War Uniform Buttons” by Albert Tice - The standard reference with detailed illustrations of both Union and Confederate buttons.
“Uniform Buttons of the United States” by Warren K. Tice - Comprehensive guide covering military buttons from 1776-1865.
“Confederate Buttons, Badges and Insignia” by Francis A. Lord - Focused specifically on Confederate materials with excellent photographs.
“A Guide to Civil War Period Uniform Buttons” by Michael J. McAfee - Detailed information on button styles with historical context.
“United States Military Buttons of the Land Service 1787-1902” by David F. Johnson - Excellent for dating and identifying Federal buttons.
Common Questions About Civil War Button Identification
What were Civil War buttons made of?
Did Waterbury make Confederate buttons?
How can I tell if a Civil War button is authentic?
Authenticating Civil War buttons involves examining several key characteristics:
- Backmarks: Check if the manufacturer’s mark matches known Civil War-era companies.
- Material composition: Period buttons should be brass or another period-appropriate metal.
- Shank style: Civil War buttons typically have loop shanks that were hand-soldered.
- Patina: Authentic buttons have a natural aged patina, not a chemical or artificial appearance.
- Design details: Compare to reference books for accurate period designs.
- Weight and thickness: Reproductions are often heavier than originals.
Consulting with experienced collectors or professional appraisers is recommended for valuable or rare examples.
What's the value of a Civil War button?
Civil War button values vary widely based on several factors:
- Type: Confederate buttons generally command higher prices than Union buttons
- Rarity: Unusual units or limited production buttons fetch premium prices
- Condition: Well-preserved examples with clear details are worth more
- Provenance: Buttons with documented history can be more valuable
- Backmark: Buttons with clear manufacturer marks tend to be worth more
Typical price ranges:
- Common Union eagle buttons: $35-$150
- Union state buttons: $75-$300
- Confederate general service buttons: $300-$1,200
- Confederate state buttons: $250-$2,500+
- Rare Confederate naval buttons: Up to $3,000 or more
Prices continue to rise as these artifacts become increasingly scarce.
Where can I find Civil War buttons?
Civil War buttons can be found through various sources:
- Metal detecting at historically documented Civil War sites (with proper permissions)
- Antique shops specializing in militaria
- Civil War collector shows and relic exhibitions
- Online auction sites like eBay (exercise caution regarding authenticity)
- Specialized Civil War artifact dealers
- Estate sales in areas with Civil War history
- Inheritance from family with Civil War connections
Remember that buttons found on federal lands like National Battlefields are protected by law and cannot be legally collected. Always research local, state, and federal regulations before metal detecting.
How should I clean a Civil War button I found?
The cardinal rule for Civil War buttons is minimal intervention. For newly discovered buttons:
- Gently rinse with distilled water to remove loose dirt
- Use a soft brush (like a soft toothbrush) if necessary
- Allow to air dry completely
- NEVER use metal polishes, chemicals, or abrasive cleaners
- Do not attempt to polish or restore the original shine
- Preserve the patina as it’s considered part of the button’s value and authenticity
Remember that improper cleaning can dramatically reduce a button’s value. When in doubt, consult with a professional conservator, especially for rare or valuable specimens.
What are the most common Union Army button designs?
The most common Union Army button designs include:
- General Service Eagle: Eagle with shield on breast, spread wings, usually holding arrows and olive branch
- Infantry: Eagle design with “I” script below
- Cavalry: Eagle design with “C” script or crossed sabers below
- Artillery: Eagle design with crossed cannons below
- State buttons: Featuring state seals and symbols from Northern states
- Navy: Eagle standing on a horizontal fouled anchor
General Service eagle buttons are the most frequently found Union buttons, as they were mass-produced throughout the war for use across multiple branches and units.
Conclusion
For collectors, the hunt for authentic Civil War buttons combines historical research, material analysis, and archaeological knowledge. Whether you’re examining a family heirloom or a recent metal detector find, the identification process connects you directly to the individuals who wore these uniform elements over 150 years ago.
As you develop your expertise in identifying Civil War buttons, remember that proper authentication, preservation, and documentation enhance both the historical value and financial worth of these artifacts. By following the guidelines in this comprehensive guide, you’ll be better equipped to distinguish genuine Civil War buttons from reproductions and appreciate the stories these small relics have to tell.
Authentic Civil War buttons are becoming increasingly scarce as time passes, making knowledge of proper identification more valuable than ever. Whether you’re a serious collector, casual enthusiast, or metal detectorist, we hope this guide helps you understand and appreciate these fascinating artifacts of American history.
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| Item | Price | Date | Auction House |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confederate South Carolina Palmetto Button | $3,250 | February 2023 | Heritage Auctions |
| New York 7th Regiment "National Guard" Button | $785 | November 2022 | Cowan's Auctions |
| Confederate Naval Officer's Button by Courtney & Tennent | $4,500 | April 2023 | James D. Julia |
| Union Cavalry Officer's Gilt Button Set (6) | $1,250 | January 2023 | eBay |
| Confederate Artillery "A" Button | $950 | March 2023 | Skinner Auctioneers |