General Service Button Value Guide

The General Service Button is a quintessential piece of 19th-century Americana, featuring a bold eagle design that symbolized national identity for the United States military. These brass fasteners are highly collectible because they transitioned from functional uniform components to historical artifacts representing various ranks and units.

What affects the value of General Service Button?

• Condition of the eagle motif, with high-relief details commanding the best prices.
• Presence and clarity of the manufacturer's backmark on the reverse side.
• The specific time period within the 1800-1900 range, with earlier Civil War era examples often being more desirable.
• Overall metal integrity, including the presence of original gilding versus heavy corrosion.

How to Identify General Service Button?

• Look for the distinct eagle insignia centered on the front of the brass face.
• Check the reverse side for 'backmarks' which often identify the manufacturer or the era of production.
• Examine the shank attachment style, as 19th-century buttons typically feature a soldered wire loop.
• Verify the material is solid brass, which may show a natural aged patina or 'verdigris' if recovered from the ground.

History of General Service Button

Military uniform buttons, often adorned with insignia such as eagles, have been a staple of military dress across the globe for centuries. The eagle is a common symbol representing power, freedom, and national identity, used by numerous armies and nations. These buttons not only served a functional purpose but also acted as identifiers of rank, unit, and country, evolving in design and material over time. They are highly collectible due to their historical significance and varied designs.