Item: Virginia State Seal "Staff Officer" Coat Button
Backmark: " * EXTRA * / QUALITY" dm
Design: Virginia coat of arms on a lined field, with the figures of Virtus standing over Tyranny. Thirteen stars are above, with the state motto of "SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS" in a ribbon below.
Construction: High convex, three-piece.
Approximate size: 22 mm.
Condition: Good, excavated, shank missing. The button has a brown patina and is loaded with gilt. There is a moderate push to the front. There are no cracks or repairs.
Recovered: Unknown
Reference: Tice: VA255A4 Albert: VA 18
Comments: 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."
This Virginia state seal "Staff Officer" coat button will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War button or general relic collection.
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Email: virginiarelics@comcast.net
When paying by check or money order, please include the item's Product Code or "PC" number with your order. Make payable to Virginia Relics and mail to:
Plez Bagby
PO Box 6425
Charlottesville, VA 22906
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