Scovill Mfg Co Waterbury Button Value Guide

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut, was a pioneer in American brass production, becoming a primary supplier of military buttons during the Civil War. These buttons are highly collectible due to their historical significance in Union and Confederate uniforms and their role in the 19th-century industrial revolution.

What Is Scovill Mfg Co Waterbury Button Worth?

The typical price range for Scovill Mfg Co Waterbury Button is $10 - $15 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Military provenance, with buttons verified for Civil War Union or Confederate service commanding higher interest.
• The clarity and completeness of the backmark stamping, which helps collectors date the piece between 1840 and 1920.
• Overall physical condition, including the lack of dents, corrosion, or 'ground action' if the item was excavated.
• Rarity of the specific insignia, such as rare state militia designs versus common general service eagle buttons.

How to Identify Scovill Mfg Co Waterbury Button?

• Check the backmark for the 'Scovill Mfg Co' or 'Scovill & Co' stamping, often accompanied by 'Waterbury'.
• Examine the shank construction; authentic 19th-century examples typically feature a sturdy, soldered brass wire loop.
• Look for the distinct patina of aged brass, which should appear naturally worn rather than chemically darkened.
• Verify the design motif on the face, which often features eagles, state seals, or specific military branch insignia.

History of Scovill Mfg Co Waterbury Button

Scovill Manufacturing Company, founded in Waterbury, Connecticut, in 1802, was one of the earliest and most prominent brass manufacturers in the United States. Initially producing buttons, it expanded to a wide range of brass products including coins, hardware, and photographic equipment. During the Civil War and other conflicts, Scovill was a major supplier of military buttons, producing millions for both Union and Confederate forces. Its reputation for quality and innovation made it a key player in American industrial history, with its buttons becoming collectible items that offer a glimpse into the past of uniforms and manufacturing.