Pre-Civil War Virginia Militia Coat Button - "Soup Bowl" - Rare Non-Excavated
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Item: Pre-Civil War Virginia Militia Coat Button - "Soup Bowl" - Rare Non-Excavated
Backmark: "* RICH * / TREBLE GILT" rm.
Design: Virginia coat of arms on a plain field, with the figures of Virtus standing over Tyranny as well as "VIRGINIA" and the state motto of "SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS".
Construction: High convex, one-piece.
Approximate size: 22 mm.
Condition: Excellent, non-excavated, secure shank present. The button is in great form and is covered in gilt. It has no cracks, breaks, bends or repairs.
Reference: Tice: VA 110A2 Albert: VA 3
Comments: Over the years, I have handled only five excavated examples of Virginia militia "soup bowl" buttons, this is the first non-excavated example I have been able to offer. What I find most interesting with the button offered here, is the off-center strike of the state seal and motto. This high-quality Virginia state seal militia button will be an excellent addition to any pre-Civil War button or general relic collection.
According to "Uniform Buttons of the United States 1776-1865" by Warren K. Tice, regarding the Virginia coat of arms:
"George Wythe designed a coat of arms in 1776 which reflects strong anti-monarchy, pro-republican sentiments. Virtus, genius of the Commonwealth, in Amazon attire, holds a spear with her right hand and a sword with her left. The form of Tyranny lies at the feet of Virtus, with the despised crown, a broken chain, and scourge cast upon the ground. The Latin motto of Virginia is Sic Semper Tyrannis, "Thus ever to tyrants." John Wilkes Booth shouted this phrase as he leapt to the stage of Ford's Theater after shooting President Lincoln. All Virginia arms buttons bear the Commonwealth motto."
- Product Code:
- PC11745
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Email: virginiarelics@comcast.net