Button, Button, Who Wore This Button?

Here is another small find happened upon by Anne and myself during an epic session of cataloging. This metal button was found in stratum 1b of unit 69. It has a diameter of about 14mm and was cast with the image of the seal of the United States.

This seal is of an eagle with a shield in its center, arrows in one foot, and an olive branch in the other. This eagle can be considered to be a "Peace Eagle" as its head is turned to face the olive branch of peace rather than the arrows of war.

Due to the small diameter of this button it is likely a cuff button, but since there is no letter in the center of the shield (such as an "I" for Infantry or a "C" for Cavalry) we cannot tell the division to which the owner belonged. What we do know is that this button belonged to a fellow enlisted in the Union Army who passed through Port Tobacco, losing his button so we could happen upon it later. (April, perhaps this will help you in your quest to find a Civil War Encampment at Port Tobacco).


Kelley