BB_in_Maine
Elite Member
I had never dug a military button before, but last week I dug two, both in my yard... Gotta love living in an 1840's house... The first is an 1860's Civil War Cavalry Officer's button which I am still cleaning but have managed to save most of the gilding. The coolest part about this find is that the son of the man who built the house I live in was a 23 year old Lieutenant in the Maine Cavalry during the Civil War - joined in 1862 - he saw action and was wounded, but made it home. I have included his military photo - look at his jacket and those buttons on it... this could have actually been one of those very buttons... Just incredible. I am trying to locate living descendants to return this item to the family. The second button I found ten feet from my front step - could not believe it popped out. It's called the 'Great Seal Button', adopted by the military in 1902 and used through the end of WWII. With this button, the military adopted..."One style for all arms and all grades, private to Lt. General. Bronze for service and gilt for dress. The design is a copy of the great seal of the U.S." It's amazing the history we walk over every day, and I think it's also important to think about the lives of the people who dropped all the interesting things that we find... Cheers,and HH, BB
