Military buttons represent one of the most accessible yet historically significant artifacts that collectors can acquire. These small metal treasures have adorned military uniforms across centuries, each telling stories of battles fought, regiments disbanded, and nations transformed. For collectors and history enthusiasts, identifying rare military buttons can be both rewarding and challenging.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the identification process of rare military buttons, their historical significance, key markings to look for, and how to determine their value in today’s collector market.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Military Button Basics
- Historical Timeline of Military Buttons
- Key Identification Features
- Rare Military Button Types and Values
- Authentication Techniques
- Condition Assessment
- Notable Auction Results
- Collecting and Preservation
- Common Questions About Military Buttons
- Resources for Military Button Collectors
Understanding Military Button Basics
Military buttons serve both functional and symbolic purposes. Beyond securing uniforms, they identified the wearer’s unit, rank, branch of service, and country of origin. The designs, materials, and construction methods have evolved considerably over time, making these elements crucial for identification.
Basic Components of Military Buttons
Most military buttons share several common components:
- Face Design - The front pattern, often featuring national emblems, regimental insignia, or branch-specific symbols
- Shank - The attachment loop on the back of the button
- Backmark - Manufacturer’s mark stamped on the reverse
- Material - Typically brass, pewter, silver, or gilt metals
- Size - Generally ranging from 13mm to 25mm, with coat buttons being larger than cuff buttons
Common Designs and Their Meanings
Military button designs aren’t arbitrary—they carry specific meanings and affiliations:
- Eagles: Common on American military buttons, often with different poses representing different branches
- Anchors: Typically indicate naval service
- Cannons/Artillery: Associated with artillery units
- State Seals: Found on state militia buttons, particularly from the Civil War era
- Numbered Buttons: Display a unit or regiment number
- Stars: The 13-star pattern represents the original American colonies
Historical Timeline of Military Buttons
- 1700s
Early American Military Buttons
Early American buttons featured simplistic designs, often cast from pewter or brass with crude shanks. Revolutionary War buttons typically displayed state symbols or numerical designations for regiments. - 1800-1860
Antebellum Period
Significant improvements in manufacturing led to more detailed designs. The Federal Eagle became standardized for many branches. Backmarks from manufacturers like Scovill and Benedict became common. - 1861-1865
Civil War Era
The Civil War period produced some of the most collectible buttons, with Confederate examples being particularly rare. State buttons for both Union and Confederate forces featured distinct designs. - 1866-1902
Indian Wars to Spanish-American War
Post-Civil War buttons showed refinement in design with more standardization across branches. The "I" button for Infantry and "C" for Cavalry became common. - 1902-1945
Early 20th Century
The 1902 uniform regulations created new standardized designs that remained until after WWII. Branch of service buttons became more distinct with specific insignia. - 1945-Present
Modern Era
Post-WWII buttons feature more consistent manufacturing with precise details. Many buttons became smaller and more subdued in design, focusing on functional over decorative elements.
Key Identification Features
Button Construction
The way a button is manufactured offers significant clues to its age:
- One-piece vs. Two-piece: Earlier buttons (pre-1830s) were often one-piece cast construction, while later buttons typically have a face plate attached to a back plate
- Shank Types: Different attachment methods evolved over time:
- Alpha shanks (early loop-style)
- Omega shanks (U-shaped wire)
- Sanders-type shanks (embedded wire)
- Modern wire eye shanks
Backmark Analysis
The manufacturer’s mark on the back of the button is one of the most important dating tools:
Certain manufacturers operated during specific periods:
- Scovill Manufacturing: One of the most prolific button makers, with backmarks that evolved over time
- Benedict & Burnham: Common on Civil War era buttons
- Waterbury Button Company: Active from the 1800s to present
- Albert, Scovill & Co.: Used from 1827-1840
- Horstmann & Co.: Philadelphia-based maker of high-quality Civil War buttons
Material Composition
Material analysis can provide crucial dating information:
- Pewter: Common in earliest buttons (Revolutionary War era)
- Brass: Became standard by the early 1800s
- Silver-plated: Often found on officer’s buttons
- Gilt: Gold-washed brass, popular for dress uniforms
Military Button Collecting Facts
Distinctive Markings and Symbols
Specific symbols help identify branch of service and time period:
Eagle designs: American buttons feature different eagle poses for different branches
- Spread eagle with shield (General Service)
- Eagle on cannon (Artillery)
- Eagle on anchor (Navy)
Letter designations:
- “I” for Infantry
- “C” for Cavalry
- “A” for Artillery
Special unit insignia:
- Bugle horns (Riflemen)
- Crossed sabers (Cavalry)
- Crossed cannons (Artillery)
Rare Military Button Types and Values
Civil War Confederate Buttons
Confederate buttons are among the most sought-after by collectors:
- Confederate Officer Buttons: CS buttons with state seals can command $500-$3,000+ depending on rarity and condition
- Confederate Naval Buttons: Extremely rare, often valued $1,000-$5,000
- Confederate Local Buttons: Made by Southern manufacturers during supply shortages, these crude but authentic buttons are highly collectible
Revolutionary War Era Buttons
Among the oldest American military buttons:
- Continental Army Buttons: Simple designs with regiment numbers or state affiliations
- Officer Buttons: Often silver or silver-plated with more elaborate designs
- State Militia Buttons: Feature state symbols or mottos
Military Button Value Ranges
Current market values for rare military buttons (2023)
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Specialty and Limited Issue Buttons
Some of the rarest buttons come from specialized units or limited production runs:
- George Washington Inaugural Buttons: Not military but highly prized by collectors, often $1,000+
- Non-Regulation Officer Buttons: Privately purchased by officers, often featuring unique designs
- Foreign Legion Buttons: French Foreign Legion and other international unit buttons
- Elite Unit Buttons: Buttons from elite or short-lived specialty units
Factors Affecting Button Value
Multiple factors influence the value of military buttons:
- Rarity: Confederate, early American, and limited-issue buttons command premium prices
- Condition: Surface detail, gilding retention, and shank integrity
- Historical Significance: Buttons associated with famous battles or units
- Provenance: Documented history of ownership or recovery location
- Completeness: Original gilt or silver wash significantly increases value
Authentication Techniques
Visual Examination
Start with careful visual inspection:
- Patina: Authentic antique buttons develop natural patina that’s difficult to replicate
- Wear Patterns: Genuine buttons show wear consistent with actual use on uniforms
- Design Details: Reproductions often lack the fine detail of originals
- Manufacturing Marks: Tool marks, casting flaws, or filing marks consistent with period production methods
Maker’s Marks Analysis
Study the backmarks carefully:
- Font Style: Typography of backmarks should match known examples from the period
- Spelling: Some manufacturers had consistent misspellings or unique spacing
- Mark Placement: Position and depth of the stamping can indicate authenticity
- Evolution of Marks: Many manufacturers changed their backmarks over time, helping with dating
Material Testing
For serious collectors, scientific methods can confirm authenticity:
- XRF Analysis: X-ray fluorescence can determine metal composition
- Microscopic Examination: High-magnification reveals production methods
- Patina Testing: Chemical tests can determine if patina is natural or artificially applied
Red Flags for Reproductions
Watch for these warning signs of fake buttons:
- Too perfect: Overly crisp details on supposedly old buttons
- Incorrect weight: Reproductions often feel lighter than originals
- Modern production methods: Machine-made uniformity in supposedly hand-crafted items
- Artificial aging: Chemical darkening that doesn’t match natural aging patterns
- Incorrect material composition: Modern alloys that didn’t exist during the period
Button Authentication Checklist
Use this checklist to assess the authenticity of military buttons
- Button shows appropriate age-related wear patterns
- Backmark matches known manufacturer patterns from the period
- Weight and thickness appropriate for the era
- Material composition consistent with period manufacturing
- Shank style appropriate for the time period
- Design details match known authenticated examples
- Surface patina appears natural, not chemically induced
- No signs of modern casting or production methods
Condition Assessment
Condition Grading Scale
Military button condition is typically graded on this scale:
- Mint: Perfect condition with original gilt or finish, sharp details, and intact shank
- Excellent: Minor wear, 90%+ original finish, full details, intact shank
- Very Good: Light wear, 70-90% finish, strong details, functioning shank
- Good: Moderate wear, 40-70% finish, most details visible, shank may have minor issues
- Fair: Heavy wear, minimal original finish, partially obscured details, shank may be damaged
- Poor: Excessive wear, no original finish, major detail loss, damaged or missing shank
Evaluating Specific Condition Issues
Pay particular attention to these common condition problems:
- Shank Integrity: Broken, repaired, or replaced shanks significantly reduce value
- Surface Corrosion: Pitting, verdigris, or excessive tarnish
- Detail Preservation: Wear to raised design elements
- Gilt Retention: Percentage of original gold wash remaining
- Bends or Flattening: Structural integrity of the button
- Excavated Condition: Soil damage, mineralization, or ground chemical effects
Restoration Considerations
The collector market generally prefers:
- Gentle Cleaning: Light surface cleaning that preserves patina
- Stabilization: Halting active corrosion without altering appearance
- Documentation: Recording any conservation work performed
Avoid these value-destroying practices:
- Harsh cleaning that removes patina
- Buffing or polishing that erases surface details
- Shank repairs or replacements without disclosure
- Re-gilding or applying new finishes
Notable Military Button Auction Sales
Recent significant sales of rare military buttons
| Category | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Revolutionary War Button (verified) | $200-$2,500 | Condition and provenance critical |
| Confederate Civil War Officer Button | $300-$3,000 | State designs command premium |
| Union Civil War State Button | $50-$500 | Rarer states bring higher prices |
| Pre-Civil War Eagle Button | $75-$350 | Based on branch and condition |
| Indian Wars Period Button | $40-$200 | Cavalry buttons most desirable |
| WWI Officer Button | $10-$75 | Common but historically important |
| WWII Specialty Unit Button | $15-$150 | Airborne and Ranger buttons premium |
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Collecting and Preservation
Storage Methods
Protect your collection with these storage techniques:
- Individual Compartments: Store each button separately to prevent contact damage
- Acid-Free Materials: Use acid-free paper, plastic sleeves, or cotton
- Climate Control: Maintain stable temperature and humidity levels
- Display Options: UV-protected display cases for buttons on exhibit
Handling Best Practices
Proper handling preserves button condition:
- Clean Hands: Always handle with clean, dry hands or cotton gloves
- Support the Button: Hold by edges, not by shank or raised elements
- Work Surface: Use a padded work surface to prevent drops or impacts
- Limited Handling: Minimize unnecessary handling, especially of fragile specimens
Documentation and Organization
Create a systematic approach to cataloging your collection:
- Identification Records: Document manufacturer, period, branch of service
- Condition Reports: Note existing damage, repairs, or conservation needs
- Provenance Information: Record any known history or recovery location
- Photography: Take high-resolution photos of front, back, and any special features
- Valuation Updates: Regularly update value estimates based on market trends
Ethical Considerations
Responsible collecting practices include:
- Legitimate Sources: Purchase from reputable dealers with clear provenance
- Archaeological Context: Be cautious about buttons from undocumented digs that may destroy historical context
- Disclosure: When selling, disclose all known information about condition and repairs
- Historical Preservation: Consider donating significant finds to museums or educational institutions
Common Questions About Military Buttons
Military Button FAQ
What to do with old military buttons?
Old military buttons can be:
- Preserved in a collection with proper storage and documentation
- Donated to museums if they have historical significance
- Sold to reputable dealers or at specialized militaria auctions
- Repurposed into jewelry or crafts (though collectors generally prefer preservation)
- Researched and documented to preserve their historical context
For buttons with family significance, consider creating a shadow box display with information about the service member who wore them.
What is the history of the 13 star button?
The 13-star button design represents the original thirteen British colonies that formed the United States. This iconic pattern first appeared on military buttons in the early 19th century and became a standard motif on U.S. military buttons.The stars are typically arranged in a circular pattern surrounding a central design element like an eagle or anchor. This design symbolizes the foundation of the nation and has remained consistent on many U.S. military buttons despite uniform regulation changes over two centuries.
The pattern is most commonly found on Navy buttons, but variations appear across different branches of service. Authentic 13-star buttons from the early to mid-19th century are valuable collector items.
What were Civil War buttons made of?
Civil War era buttons (1861-1865) were primarily made of brass, with some variations:
- Standard enlisted buttons: Brass with various finishes
- Officer buttons: Brass with gold gilt (wash)
- Confederate buttons: Often brass, but shortages led to alternative materials like pewter, iron, wood, bone, and even ceramic
- Naval buttons: Typically brass with more elaborate finishing
Button construction typically involved a two-piece design with the face plate attached to a backing that held the shank. Manufacturing techniques varied between Northern and Southern producers, with Northern buttons generally showing higher quality and more consistent production standards.
How can you tell if a military button is authentic?
Authentication involves examining several key characteristics:
- Material composition - Period-appropriate metals and alloys
- Manufacturing methods - Production techniques matching the era
- Patina development - Natural aging versus artificial treatments
- Backmark verification - Manufacturer marks matching known historical examples
- Design accuracy - Precise details matching authenticated specimens
- Weight and feel - Appropriate heft for the type and period
- Edge characteristics - Production methods evident on button edges
For valuable specimens, consider professional authentication or metallurgical testing. Compare suspected buttons with well-documented examples in museum collections or reference books.
What is the most valuable military button?
The most valuable military buttons generally fall into these categories:
- Confederate Naval Officer buttons - Can command $5,000+ in excellent condition
- Rare Confederate state seal buttons - Texas and South Carolina designs are particularly valuable
- Revolutionary War regimental buttons - Especially those with documented battlefield recovery
- George Washington Inaugural buttons - Not strictly military but highly prized by the same collectors
- Extremely rare unit buttons - Such as Confederate Submarine Service or specialized units
The record prices for military buttons have exceeded $10,000 for the rarest Confederate naval examples with excellent provenance. Value is highly dependent on condition, authenticity, and documentation.
How are military buttons dated?
Military buttons can be dated through several methods:
- Backmark Analysis - Manufacturer marks changed over time and can be precisely dated
- Construction Methods - One-piece cast, two-piece assembled, shank types, etc.
- Design Elements - Motifs changed with uniform regulations
- Material Composition - Certain alloys were used in specific periods
- Design Regulations - Military regulations specified button designs at known dates
For example, U.S. Army General Service buttons with the spread eagle changed subtly with each major uniform regulation (1821, 1851, 1872, 1902, etc.), allowing for precise dating based on these known design modifications.
Resources for Military Button Collectors
External Resources
The U.S. Militaria Forum - Uniform Buttons
Active online community dedicated to military button identification and discussion, with expert members who can help authenticate finds.
WorthPoint - Determining the Age of U.S. Military Uniform Buttons
Comprehensive guide to dating American military buttons through analysis of construction, motifs, and backmarks.
Smithsonian Libraries - Military and All Metal Buttons
Digital archive of historical button references maintained by the Smithsonian Institution, offering authoritative documentation.
Inkspot Antiques - US Uniform Buttons Guide
Detailed reference site for identifying American military buttons with comprehensive backmark identification charts.
Collectors Weekly - Antique and Vintage Military Buttons
Articles and guides on military button collecting with information on current market trends and notable collections.
Kelly's Militaria - Antique & Vintage Military Uniform Buttons
Specialized dealer in military buttons with educational resources focusing on British and Commonwealth specimens.
Essential Reference Books
These publications are considered essential for serious collectors:
- “American Military Button Makers and Dealers: Their Backmarks & Dates” by William F. McGuinn and Bruce S. Bazelon
- “Record of American Uniform and Historical Buttons” by Alphaeus H. Albert
- “Confederate States Navy and Marine Corps Uniforms, Equipment, and Buttons” by Francis A. Lord
- “Uniform Buttons of the United States” by Warren K. Tice
- “British Military Buttons in the American Revolution” by Eric I. Goldstein and Stuart C. Mowbray
Button Collector Organizations
Join these groups to connect with fellow collectors:
- Military Button Collectors Association - Specialized focus on military buttons
- Military Collectors and Historians Society - Broader militaria focus including buttons
- National Button Society - General button collecting with military specialty groups
- American Society of Military Insignia Collectors - Includes button collectors
Conclusion
Identifying and collecting rare military buttons offers a tangible connection to history through small but significant artifacts. These metal treasures served both practical and symbolic purposes, identifying the wearer’s unit, rank, and allegiance while adorning uniforms with distinctive character.
For collectors, the journey of discovery involves careful examination of design elements, backmarks, materials, and construction techniques. Each button tells a story—whether it adorned a Revolutionary War soldier’s coat, identified a Civil War regiment, or distinguished a 20th-century officer.
As with all antiques, authentication remains crucial in a market with increasing reproductions. Developing the expertise to distinguish genuine historical pieces from modern copies requires study, comparison, and sometimes scientific analysis. However, the reward of holding an authentic piece of military history makes the effort worthwhile.
Whether you’re a beginning collector fascinated by these small artifacts or an advanced militaria specialist, military buttons offer an accessible and rewarding collecting field with specimens available across a wide range of price points. By preserving and documenting these items, collectors play an important role in maintaining connections to our military heritage.
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| Item | Price | Date | Auction House |
|---|---|---|---|
| Confederate Texas State Seal Button | $4,750 | May 2022 | Heritage Auctions |
| Revolutionary War 7th Regiment Button | $3,200 | December 2021 | Cowan's Auctions |
| Confederate Naval Officer Button | $2,800 | March 2022 | Bonhams |
| Civil War New York Excelsior Button | $1,250 | September 2021 | James D. Julia |
| War of 1812 Artillery Officer Button | $950 | January 2022 | eBay (Private Sale) |