Pre-Civil War Army General Service "Great Coat" Button
Item: Pre-Civil War Army General Service "Great Coat" Button
Backmark: "J.M.L. & W.H. SCOVILL/WATERBURY" rm
Design: Letters "U.S" surmounted by an eagle grasping arrows with left talons and a wreath below.
Construction: Flat, one-piece.
Approximate size: 20 mm.
Condition: Excellent, excavated, secure shank present. This solid button has a dark brown patina with moderate-heavy wear. There are no bends, cracks, breaks, or repairs.
Recovered: Williamsburg, VA area.
Reference: Tice: GI; Albert: GI 70B (see Comments section below)
Comments: This button's backmark is not specifically listed in either Tice's or Albert's button reference books, however it is listed in "American Military Button Makers and Dealers; Their Backmarks & Dates", 2001 edition, by William F. McGuinn and Bruce S. Bazelon, on page 110 where it is indicated that this specific backmark would be found on Albert's GI 70B.
According to Record of American Uniform and Historical Buttons - Bicentennial Edition" by Alphaeus H. Albert on page 34 regarding the "Great Coat" buttons:
"The Scovill Company files reveal a letter dated April 4, 1820, that refers to "a new die for the Gt (Great) coat button." Samples were submitted, and on September 5, 1820, "L. H. & Scovill were ordered to make 75 gro large and 50 gro small great coat buttons, having the eagle and U S impressed upon them according to the last pattern". In April, 1826, "Leavenwoth & Co., were given orders for the great coat buttons, large 200 gross, small 100 gro". Orders are recorded as late as February 1839. It may be noted that bids were invited also from Robinson, Blackington & Co., Paterson N. J., and Robinson, Jones & Co."
This Great Coat button will be an excellent addition to any excavated pre-Civil War button or general relic collection.
- Product Code:
- PC8973
- Price:
- $65.00
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