Anchor Button Help

[gmyracle]

Hi All,

Found this today and it has me stumped.

Found in Orange, VA. in a field where I have dug both Union and Conf. relics.

Any input appreciated.

Thank you,

 

[raymond isbell]

Hey gmyracie it look's like a Chief Petty Officer button a NA131B I my be wrong
Raymond

 

[PCGeorge]

Gymyracle, I agree with Raymond. Every detail on your button''s face is identical to Albert's button NA131b, a US Navy Chief Petty Officer's button. NA131a is extremely similar, but not quite identical. "Good eye" there, Raymond.

Does it have a backmark, and if so, what?

Regards,
Pete [P.C. George]

 

[gmyracle]

Thanks to both for the replies! Attached is the scan of the back. Any idea on when this button would have been manufactured? Value? Trying to decide if it belongs in my relic collection. Thanks again!

 

[PCGeorge]

Thanks for providing a photo of the back. That type of iron-back is strictly 20th-Century. It was developed as a very inexpensive way to mass-produce buttons entirely by machine. This back didn't have what we'd call a loop (or shank) ...just two thread-holes on opposite sides of the small dome at the center of the "stamped" sheet-iron back. This eliminates the need to make a wire-loop and attach it to the back ...thus saving time, labor, and material.

Note: This 20th-Century stamped sheet-iron back looks somewhat similar to a Colonial Era "turret-shank" back. But turret-shank backs were made out of CAST brass or pewter.

Regards,
Pete [P.C. George]

 

[gmyracle]

Thanks for the great info! I was just rearranging one of my button boxes and definitely will not include it in the 1800's goodies. Appreciate the lesson on the back composition too!

 

[colonels wife]

I have found these kind of buttons in NC along Shermans route. I was told onece they were Surgeons buttons. I also found 2 others in VA near the coast.

WRC