Re: Gold Buttons on Union Uniform
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In reply to:
Gold Buttons on Union Uniform
Sherry Marshall 8/13/08
The first thing to realize is officers provided their own uniforms.Most probably bought them through a miltary goods supplier, although some were made by a local tailor.The buttons would have been purchased through one of these sources.
The manufacturers used brass, and it was simple and inexpensive to gild the buttons to reduce tarnish.None, to my knowledge, would have been made of solid gold.
I'm confused by your calling them double eagles.All standard buttons used a single eagle.The shield on the chest of the bird would either have an initial for the military function ("I" for Infantry, "C" for Cavalry, etc.), or it had a shield with bars on the lower portion (for Generals or staff).
The backside often had the maker's name, such as Waterbury or Alien, some were marked "extra quality", some were without marking.
PLZ let me know what letter, if any, is inside the shield of your buttons.Also, I'd be interested in any markings on the back.
If you can take close-up photos of them I can give you an approximate value.
More Replies:
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Re: Gold Buttons on Union Uniform
Sherry Marshall 9/03/08