Item: Virginia State Seal Cuff Button
Backmark: "SCOVILLS & CO. / EXTRA" dm
Construction: High convex, three-piece.
Approximate size: 14 mm.
Condition: Very good, excavated, secure shank present. The front has ample gilt over a brown patina. The shank is pushed over to the rear. The button has no pushes, cracks, breaks, or repairs.
Recovered: North Anna, VA area.
Reference: Tice: VA222As6 Albert: VA 13
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 cuff button will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War button or general relic collection.
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