Robinsons button with script "BP"

[IrishEddie]

Hi,

I found this button a while back. It has a Civil War era back mark according to Tice's button book, but I cannot figure out what the "BP" could stand for. Does anyone know?

Thanks,
Eddie

[Dr. Beach]

Hello IrishEddie:

Your button is reminiscent of old police uniform buttons I have seen (some have just the script “P”). Is there a big city that starts with “B” close to where the button was found?

Button expert William Leigh at William Leigh - Civil War Era Button Collectors could probably identify your button. Let us know what you learn

[IrishEddie]

He thinks it is a Boston Police button or from some other New England city. Does anyone know if there is a way to contact Warren Tice, the button expert? If Tice does not know exactly what it is, maybe he would be interested in doing some research on it.

Thanks,
Eddie

[joannefournier]

Hi Eddie,
I have had 6 of these buttons for quite a while and always assumed they were Boston Police (don't ask me why) 5 are coat or jacket size and one is cuff size. They have different backmarks than your button. The larger buttons bear an 1850's-1860's D. Evans mark and the small one is a post-1865 D. Evans, according to Tice. I know I haven't really answered any questions for you, but I wanted you to know there are others out here, and I also would like to verify that they are Boston Police buttons.
Best regards,
Joanne Fournier

[IrishEddie]

Thanks for the info! I am trying to find some Civil War era photographs of the Boston Police and see if I can match up the buttons.

Thanks,
Eddie

[joannefournier]

Dear Eddie,
After I found those buttons to photograph for you, I decided to sell them. I have listed them on ebay - probably the quickest way to find out what they really are. I have listed them as antique Boston Police buttons, and if that is not correct, someone will most likely jump right on it! I'll keep you posted.
Joanne