I am looking for help in dating and identifying a military-type button. I cannot find the exact button on the internet or in books. I am hoping someone can help. The button: Eagle, holding olive and arrows U.S. Seal type design (with some differences) (eagle facing left when looking at it, or facing the olive branch, ribbon in its mouth) Made of some kind of magnetic material (possibly brass, has a dark patina, with a few small coppery/gold looking glints peaking through). Slightly smaller than the size of a quarter Obverse is for the most part flat (design is raised, slight raised circular edge around button). Reverse is mostly (95% or so) corroded away, what is left appears mostly flat, no identifiable markings Most distinguishing features: The breast of the Eagle has NO SHIELD as is common, but is just a feathered body The design above the eagle's head is round, but does NOT contain 13 stars. Inside the circular design above the eagle head is a (vertical) tri-sectioned symbol (with the center vertical higher than the outer ones and 1 horizontal mark under the 3 verticals), which looks like a rough representation of a crown? Location: My son found it on the dirt surface at his school last year, which is in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama. The school (Academy for Academics and Arts) is on the Cavalry Hill site where the Buffalo Soldiers were encamped in 1898-1899 (during the Spanish-American War). Because of the location in which it was found, I am inclined to believe it was probably from a Buffalo Soldier, however, if so, it would seem it would have either the stars or shield. So I am wondering if it could even be older? I do not know what would have been at that location prior to the Buffalo Soldier's camp or what the history would have been. From what little I found, it looks like the U.S. Seal with the stars above and the shield was designed in 1776-1782. Even if someone is not able to help me identify it, any clues would be helpful. Is the U.S. Seal/eagle button modeled on any British or other seals/buttons? What common button materials are magnetic? Does a magnetic button help date them in any way? Are there any other aspects common to buttons or symbols that I need to consider to help identify the button? Are there any good online sources to help me identify it? Any and all help would be most appreciated. Thanks! Briana Felch ________________________________________________________________________ More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! - http://webmail.aol.com

On this site you can search buttons in their collection. Double click on the button and see an enlarged photo. It also has Revolutionary War buttons and War of 1812 to see too. http://www.civilwarbuttons.com/ Another site that has some nice photos to view: http://www.bullrunrelics.com/buttons.html Note: Keep in mind that the Eagle was officially declared the National Emblem of the United States by the Second Continental Congress in 1782. This may have a bearing on the button you have being from the Revolutionary War in 1776. I hope you find what you are looking for and that these sites help in your search. Lou Ann Lunsford ----- Original Message ----- From: <poetmom@aol.com> To: <ALABAMA-L@rootsweb.com> Cc: <CIVIL-WAR@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, December 29, 2007 10:19 PM Subject: [ALABAMA] Need help in dating/identifying old Military Button foundin Huntsville, AL >I am looking for help in dating and identifying a military-type button. I >cannot find the exact button on the internet or in books. I am hoping >someone can help. > > The button: > Eagle, holding olive and arrows > U.S. Seal type design (with some differences) (eagle facing left when > looking at it, or facing the olive branch, ribbon in its mouth) > Made of some kind of magnetic material (possibly brass, has a dark patina, > with a few small coppery/gold looking glints peaking through). > Slightly smaller than the size of a quarter > Obverse is for the most part flat (design is raised, slight raised > circular edge around button). > Reverse is mostly (95% or so) corroded away, what is left appears mostly > flat, no identifiable markings > > Most distinguishing features: > The breast of the Eagle has NO SHIELD as is common, but is just a > feathered body > The design above the eagle's head is round, but does NOT contain 13 stars. > Inside the circular design above the eagle head is a (vertical) > tri-sectioned symbol (with the center vertical higher than the outer ones > and 1 horizontal mark under the 3 verticals), which looks like a rough > representation of a crown? > > Location: > My son found it on the dirt surface at his school last year, which is in > Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama. The school (Academy for Academics and > Arts) is on the Cavalry Hill site where the Buffalo Soldiers were encamped > in 1898-1899 (during the Spanish-American War). > > Because of the location in which it was found, I am inclined to believe it > was probably from a Buffalo Soldier, however, if so, it would seem it > would have either the stars or shield. So I am wondering if it could even > be older? I do not know what would have been at that location prior to the > Buffalo Soldier's camp or what the history would have been. From what > little I found, it looks like the U.S. Seal with the stars above and the > shield was designed in 1776-1782. > > Even if someone is not able to help me identify it, any clues would be > helpful. Is the U.S. Seal/eagle button modeled on any British or other > seals/buttons? What common button materials are magnetic? Does a magnetic > button help date them in any way? Are there any other aspects common to > buttons or symbols that I need to consider to help identify the button? > Are there any good online sources to help me identify it? > > Any and all help would be most appreciated. > > Thanks! > > Briana Felch > > ________________________________________________________________________ > More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! - > http://webmail.aol.com > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > ALABAMA-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.12/1202 - Release Date: > 12/29/2007 1:27 PM > >

Thanks for the info. I will give those websites a look. Thanks! Briana Felch -----Original Message----- From: Lou Ann Lunsford <lapl1@comcast.net> To: ALABAMA-L@rootsweb.com; poetmom@aol.com Cc: CIVIL-WAR@rootsweb.com Sent: Sun, 30 Dec 2007 9:26 am Subject: Re: [ALABAMA] Need help in dating/identifying old Military Button foundin Huntsville, AL On this site you can search buttons in their collection. Double click on the button and see an enlarged photo. It also has Revolutionary War buttons and War of 1812 to see too.? ? http://www.civilwarbuttons.com/? ? Another site that has some nice photos to view:? ? http://www.bullrunrelics.com/buttons.html? ? Note: Keep in mind that the Eagle was officially declared the National Emblem of the United States by the Second Continental Congress in 1782. This may have a bearing on the button you have being from the Revolutionary War in 1776.? ? I hope you find what you are looking for and that these sites help in your search.? ? Lou Ann Lunsford? ? ? ----- Original Message ----- From: <poetmom@aol.com>? To: <ALABAMA-L@rootsweb.com>? Cc: <CIVIL-WAR@rootsweb.com>? Sent: Saturday, December 29, 2007 10:19 PM? Subject: [ALABAMA] Need help in dating/identifying old Military Button foundin Huntsville, AL? ? >I am looking for help in dating and identifying a military-type button. I >cannot find the exact button on the internet or in books. I am hoping >someone can help.? >? > The button:? > Eagle, holding olive and arrows? > U.S. Seal type design (with some differences) (eagle facing left when > looking at it, or facing the olive branch, ribbon in its mouth)? > Made of some kind of magnetic material (possibly brass, has a dark patina, > with a few small coppery/gold looking glints peaking through).? > Slightly smaller than the size of a quarter? > Obverse is for the most part flat (design is raised, slight raised > circular edge around button).? > Reverse is mostly (95% or so) corroded away, what is left appears mostly > flat, no identifiable markings? >? > Most distinguishing features:? > The breast of the Eagle has NO SHIELD as is common, but is just a > feathered body? > The design above the eagle's head is round, but does NOT contain 13 stars.? > Inside the circular design above the eagle head is a (vertical) > tri-sectioned symbol (with the center vertical higher than the outer ones > and 1 horizontal mark under the 3 verticals), which looks like a rough > representation of a crown?? >? > Location:? > My son found it on the dirt surface at his school last year, which is in > Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama. The school (Academy for Academics and > Arts) is on the Cavalry Hill site where the Buffalo Soldiers were encamped > in 1898-1899 (during the Spanish-American War).? >? > Because of the location in which it was found, I am inclined to believe it > was probably from a Buffalo Soldier, however, if so, it would seem it > would have either the stars or shield. So I am wondering if it could even > be older? I do not know what would have been at that location prior to the > Buffalo Soldier's camp or what the history would have been. From what > little I found, it looks like the U.S. Seal with the stars above and the > shield was designed in 1776-1782.? >? > Even if someone is not able to help me identify it, any clues would be > helpful. Is the U.S. Seal/eagle button modeled on any British or other > seals/buttons? What common button materials are magnetic? Does a magnetic > button help date them in any way? Are there any other aspects common to > buttons or symbols that I need to consider to help identify the button? > Are there any good online sources to help me identify it?? >? > Any and all help would be most appreciated.? >? > Thanks!? >? > Briana Felch? >? > ________________________________________________________________________? > More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! - > http://webmail.aol.com? >? > -------------------------------? > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > ALABAMA-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the > quotes in the subject and the body of the message? >? >? > -- > No virus found in this incoming message.? > Checked by AVG Free Edition.? > Version: 7.5.516 / Virus Database: 269.17.12/1202 - Release Date: > 12/29/2007 1:27 PM? >? > ? ________________________________________________________________________ More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! - http://webmail.aol.com

Briana, is this the same thing I have corresponded (with someone) concerning having found a bracelet type link with the US Seal on it? delilah ----- Original Message ----- From: <poetmom@aol.com> To: <ALABAMA-L@rootsweb.com> Cc: <CIVIL-WAR@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, December 29, 2007 11:19 PM Subject: [ALABAMA] Need help in dating/identifying old Military Button foundin Huntsville, AL |I am looking for help in dating and identifying a military-type button. I cannot find the exact button on the internet or in books. I am hoping someone can help. | | The button: | Eagle, holding olive and arrows | U.S. Seal type design (with some differences) (eagle facing left when looking at it, or facing the olive branch, ribbon in its mouth) | Made of some kind of magnetic material (possibly brass, has a dark patina, with a few small coppery/gold looking glints peaking through). | Slightly smaller than the size of a quarter | Obverse is for the most part flat (design is raised, slight raised circular edge around button). | Reverse is mostly (95% or so) corroded away, what is left appears mostly flat, no identifiable markings | | Most distinguishing features: | The breast of the Eagle has NO SHIELD as is common, but is just a feathered body | The design above the eagle's head is round, but does NOT contain 13 stars. | Inside the circular design above the eagle head is a (vertical) tri-sectioned symbol (with the center vertical higher than the outer ones and 1 horizontal mark under the 3 verticals), which looks like a rough representation of a crown? | | Location: | My son found it on the dirt surface at his school last year, which is in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama. The school (Academy for Academics and Arts) is on the Cavalry Hill site where the Buffalo Soldiers were encamped in 1898-1899 (during the Spanish-American War). | | Because of the location in which it was found, I am inclined to believe it was probably from a Buffalo Soldier, however, if so, it would seem it would have either the stars or shield. So I am wondering if it could even be older? I do not know what would have been at that location prior to the Buffalo Soldier's camp or what the history would have been. From what little I found, it looks like the U.S. Seal with the stars above and the shield was designed in 1776-1782. | | Even if someone is not able to help me identify it, any clues would be helpful. Is the U.S. Seal/eagle button modeled on any British or other seals/buttons? What common button materials are magnetic? Does a magnetic button help date them in any way? Are there any other aspects common to buttons or symbols that I need to consider to help identify the button? Are there any good online sources to help me identify it? | | Any and all help would be most appreciated. | | Thanks! | | Briana Felch | | ________________________________________________________________________ | More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! - http://webmail.aol.com | | ------------------------------- | To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ALABAMA-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message |

Delilah, You and I have not corresponded regarding this issue (or a bracelet with US Seal on it) before. You must be referring to someone else. thanks Briana -----Original Message----- From: Delilah <diamond6468@mindspring.com> To: ALABAMA-L@rootsweb.com; poetmom@aol.com Cc: CIVIL-WAR@rootsweb.com Sent: Sun, 30 Dec 2007 11:06 am Subject: Re: [ALABAMA] Need help in dating/identifying old Military Button foundin Huntsville, AL Briana, is this the same thing I have corresponded (with someone) concerning having found a bracelet type link with the US Seal on it? delilah ----- Original Message ----- From: <poetmom@aol.com> To: <ALABAMA-L@rootsweb.com> Cc: <CIVIL-WAR@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, December 29, 2007 11:19 PM Subject: [ALABAMA] Need help in dating/identifying old Military Button foundin Huntsville, AL |I am looking for help in dating and identifying a military-type button. I cannot find the exact button on the internet or in books. I am hoping someone can help. | | The button: | Eagle, holding olive and arrows | U.S. Seal type design (with some differences) (eagle facing left when looking at it, or facing the olive branch, ribbon in its mouth) | Made of some kind of magnetic material (possibly brass, has a dark patina, with a few small coppery/gold looking glints peaking through). | Slightly smaller than the size of a quarter | Obverse is for the most part flat (design is raised, slight raised circular edge around button). | Reverse is mostly (95% or so) corroded away, what is left appears mostly flat, no identifiable markings | | Most distinguishing features: | The breast of the Eagle has NO SHIELD as is common, but is just a feathered body | The design above the eagle's head is round, but does NOT contain 13 stars. | Inside the circular design above the eagle head is a (vertical) tri-sectioned symbol (with the center vertical higher than the outer ones and 1 horizontal mark under the 3 verticals), which looks like a rough representation of a crown? | | Location: | My son found it on the dirt surface at his school last year, which is in Huntsville, Madison County, Alabama. The school (Academy for Academics and Arts) is on the Cavalry Hill site where the Buffalo Soldiers were encamped in 1898-1899 (during the Spanish-American War). | | Because of the location in which it was found, I am inclined to believe it was probably from a Buffalo Soldier, however, if so, it would seem it would have either the stars or shield. So I am wondering if it could even be older? I do not know what would have been at that location prior to the Buffalo Soldier's camp or what the history would have been. From what little I found, it looks like the U.S. Seal with the stars above and the shield was designed in 1776-1782. | | Even if someone is not able to help me identify it, any clues would be helpful. Is the U.S. Seal/eagle button modeled on any British or other seals/buttons? What common button materials are magnetic? Does a magnetic button help date them in any way? Are there any other aspects common to buttons or symbols that I need to consider to help identify the button? Are there any good online sources to help me identify it? | | Any and all help would be most appreciated. | | Thanks! | | Briana Felch | | ________________________________________________________________________ | More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! - http://webmail.aol.com | | ------------------------------- | To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ALABAMA-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message | ________________________________________________________________________ More new features than ever. Check out the new AOL Mail ! - http://webmail.aol.com