Confederate Infantry Button Value Guide

This Confederate Infantry button is a significant artifact manufactured in Richmond, Virginia, between 1861 and 1865. Its rarity stems from the challenging wartime production conditions in the Confederate States, making it a prized piece of military history.

What affects the value of Confederate Infantry Button?

• The presence of a clear Richmond, Virginia, manufacturer mark significantly increases collector demand.
• Overall condition of the brass, including the level of detail remaining on the 'I' insignia.
• The integrity of the attachment shank on the reverse side of the button.
• Historical provenance or evidence that the button was a field-recovered relic versus surplus.

How to Identify Confederate Infantry Button?

• Look for the distinct 'I' on the face representing the Infantry branch of the Confederate States Army.
• Examine the backmark for specific Richmond, Virginia, manufacturer stamps which verify its origin.
• Verify the material is brass, consistent with authentic mid-19th-century Confederate production.
• Check for signs of period-correct construction, such as a soldered shank typical of the 1860s.

History of Confederate Infantry Button

During the American Civil War, uniform buttons were vital for identifying regiments and ranks. Confederate buttons, particularly those marked with their place of manufacture like Richmond, are highly sought after by collectors due to their scarcity and historical significance. These buttons were produced under challenging wartime conditions, making surviving examples valuable artifacts of the conflict.