Yes, the wording and shank type can vary quite a bit. I've seen many with a soldered-on omega shank and a backstamp reading "treble gilt," among other things.
Just out of curiosity, is the shank of the pictured button soldered directly to the button, or is it inserted in a little brass escutcheon? I can't tell you anything about it if it is, I just like those for some reason.
-Alan
>>> Trevor Dunkerley <[log in to unmask]> 10/3/2007 11:32 AM >>>
Alan,
Many thanks for the information.
My researcher could only find information regarding the inscription on the
Internet on a Stateside site which suggested the detail we have. Hence our
request for corroboration.
Apparently there were variations on the wording.
Trevor.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Alan Longmire" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 3:37 PM
Subject: Re: Rifleman's Tunic Buttons?
Aha! Why do you think they were manufactured by the Hudson's Bay Company?
I don't see their mark. Also, what lead you to believe they are
specifically for riflemen's tunics?
The reason I am being persnickety here is that this type of button is
extremely common on 19th century sites all over the USA. I can't address
the stamping as to manufacturer, but I have seen identical buttons, down to
the inscription, from a sealed 1830s context in eastern Tennessee.
While it would be a nice mystery were these American uniform buttons, I'm
afraid I'd interpret them as common English-made brass buttons of the
ca.1790-1860 time period. I'd be happy to be proved wrong, however!
-Alan
C. Alan Longmire, RPA
TDOT Archaeologist II
3518 CRS
Johnson City, TN 37602-3518
office: (423) 282-0651 ext. 114
cell: (423) 773-1161
fax: (423) 854-5310
>>> Trevor Dunkerley <[log in to unmask]> 10/3/2007 10:07 AM >>>
For those 'across the pond' who were interested in these finds. You can now
access a picture at the URL below.
Click on the 'XML' tab on the front screen, or from the 'Quick Link Site
Map' on the first page and follow 'WHAT IS IT' pages.
Trevor
http://www.cmsmrps.org.uk - a community archaeology initiative.
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