Created by
Scovill Manufacturing Company, American
Date
1861-1865
Medium
brass (alloy)
Dimensions
9/16 x 9/16 x 3/8 x 9/16 in. (1.4 x 1.4 x 1 cm)
Description
This small brass button is stamped with the device of a spread eagle with
shield holding an olive branch in his right claws and three arrows in his left claw. It is a standard small-sized general service button worn by a non-commissioned officer or enlisted man in the U.S. Army. According to U.S. Army historian Rod Gainer, the button was almost certainly made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut, based on the shape of the eagle’s wings.
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Clothing-Historical
Type
buttons (fasteners)
Topic
Clothing and dress
Military
Slavery
U.S. History, Civil War, 1861-1865
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2011.4.5
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd568bbb155-a9da-4c3f-a9cd-0ea81a1cda44

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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