Civil war buttons
An American Civil War soldier can instantly be identified by his Confederate or Union uniform. The uniforms of the time consisted of many parts, however, of all pieces of the uniform the buttons have remained an astonishing artifact, standing through the test of time.
Buttons of the war varied, and not just between Union and Confederate soldiers. The button varied from state to state, rank to rank, and manufacturer to manufacturer. Many states issued their own buttons for their soldiers. The manufacturers name would usually be somewhere on the button. Most of the buttons of the war were manufactured in the US, but interestingly enough, some were also made in England (4). Issued buttons continue to be used in military uniforms.
Civil War buttons are among the most coveted buttons in the collectors world. WWI and WWII buttons are also extremely popular, but Vietnam and Korean War buttons are not as popular (to learn more about button collecting and button conventions venture to chapter four).
Buttons of the war varied, and not just between Union and Confederate soldiers. The button varied from state to state, rank to rank, and manufacturer to manufacturer. Many states issued their own buttons for their soldiers. The manufacturers name would usually be somewhere on the button. Most of the buttons of the war were manufactured in the US, but interestingly enough, some were also made in England (4). Issued buttons continue to be used in military uniforms.
Civil War buttons are among the most coveted buttons in the collectors world. WWI and WWII buttons are also extremely popular, but Vietnam and Korean War buttons are not as popular (to learn more about button collecting and button conventions venture to chapter four).
MOdern Day Military Buttons |
The current day US military has changed greatly since the last major war we have took place in. Buttons on uniforms intended for battle have been largely replaced by zippers in the last several decades. However, the uniforms for higher ranking officers and units who don't see action often include brassy buttons. These buttons have a remarkably similar look to those of the civil war. This is because many of the emblems that represent the country remain the same, and it constantly reminds all of the past. The classic buttons on these uniforms are symbol of the US soldiers' bravery, and are highly important to the image the military fronts (5).
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Locket buttons
Finding Antique War Buttons
Those American War buffs find some of the rarest buttons out there, but how? The answer lies in simple technology, metal detectors. Simply buying buttons off of Ebay isn't the only way to get historical buttons, people commonly go around sites of wars with metal detectors (6). After finding buttons of value the new owner of the button may decide to clean it in order to restore the beauty fully. Since most buttons used in the war were brass, it is a common practice to clean them by simply using a Q-tip soaked in vinegar and gently clean the button. For other types of buttons the practice of cleaning can get more complex, but as far as most metal buttons go they are fairly simple, and can be cleaned with substances like water. After cleaning the button it is best to store it in a cool dry place (7).
Happy seeking. Happy finding. Happy cleaning.
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