This listing is for the photographed Antique Pre-Civil War Era United States Navy Uniform Button. These buttons were issued in the 1840s and 1850s before the American Civil War. This button is a smaller issue and was likely used on a hat or cuff rather than a coat. Front of this button depicts an eagle facing left sitting on top of a vertical anchor, this button also has a rope border along with a border of 13 stars. Back of button does not have a signature due to its size and the entire back and loop is made of tin.
Naval uniform buttons did not begin to be standardized until the early 19th century and were not fully standardized until 1841. The first standardized issue was of an eagle sitting atop a vertical anchor, such as this design. Depending on the manufacturer, the eagle would be facing left or right. These buttons were issued with this design up until shortly before the Civil war, when the design became more standardized to a strictly left-facing eagle sitting atop a horizontal anchor. This design lasted all through the Civil War, up until World War II when the eagle was changed to be facing to the right.
Incredibly interesting and well-preserved piece of history! A must have for any collection!
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Antique Pre-Civil War US Navy Uniform Button - 1841-51 - Vertical Anchor, Left-Facing Eagle - Tin Back Civil War Era Navy Uniform Button