Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Identify the device, or design, on the front of the button. During the Civil War, most regiments used their state's seal as the button design. Kentucky's seal depicts two men shaking hands. The phrase, "United we stand, divided we fall," may encircle the design, indicating an officer's button. Compare the button to photos in your guide for positive identification.
Determine the type of material from which the button was made. Most Civil War uniform buttons were made of brass, but pewter or other natural materials were also used. Plastic indicates a newer button.
Inspect the shank and construction. A shank is a small loop on the back used for attaching the button to clothing with thread. It is not unusual to find buttons in which the shank has broken off. A typical button from the Civil War era is constructed of two metal pieces crimped together, with a shank that is brazed, meaning it appears to be soldered.
Identify the manufacturer by inspecting the back mark. Scovill Manufacturing, Horstmann &Allen, Waterbury, and Steele and Johnson were popular manufacturers during the Civil War era, although other companies also made buttons and may be found in your identification guide. A circular depression around the shank that contains the manufacturer's name is also a good indication that the button was made during the Civil War.
Identify any letters on the front device that indicates the combat arm. Not all buttons will be marked with the combat arm, and you may need a magnifying glass to inspect the button. "I" indicates infantry, "A" indicates artillery, "R" indicates rifleman, "C" indicates cavalry, and "D" indicates dragoon (a heavily armed cavalryman). Records from the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives show that most Kentucky soldiers served in the infantry, artillery or cavalry.