Need help with eagle buttons please

Found these both today at the early site I found my 1810 belt plate. I was on my first trip out with my new Explorer xs. I can't see any back marks. I know nothing about buttons can anyone ID and/or date them?

relic lover, these both look like General Service, 1854-

relic lover, these both look like General Service, 1854-

I would agree but add they are pre 1880. they are probably civil war or a bit earlier

I agree.                               http://howardlanham.tripod.com/link2

 Civil War period buttons have a shield level with the rest of the eagle, while those made after 1875 have a raised shield. After 1902 modern style uniform buttons with the Great Seal of the United States, replaced the Civil War type eagles.

There are some pre civil war buttons that the shields are raised on a bit and between the type of eagle in the pics and the great seal buttons they had those old turkey neck looking eagles I think they started using those in 1875 or so

With a name like "relic lover," and detecting on sites that contain belt plates and military relics, I would strongly urge you to educate yourself on buttons. 

Buy a copy of Tice's Uniform Buttons of the United States 1776-1865 ($50 used)

My button cleaning post in the Cleaning and Preservation will likely also be of use to you.  Toothpicking the backmarks as I describe in that post will increase your odds at being able to read a backmark.  If you wash a button with water, then you will likely lose it all.


Reading the backmark is in many cases the key to nailing down a maker and time frame for a button.



Best Wishes,



Buckleboy

Buckle boy is right about the backmarks and also cleaning the buttons. Looking at the pics I didn't think these buttons had backmarks but I could be mistaken.

As far as cleaning the buttons, I used BB's method, and here are the results.

Before



After

Buckleboy. I just read your post on cleaning buttons and want to say everyone who digs needs to read that. I can't see a thing I would disagree with. I've been digging 40 years and hate to admit it but have ruined a few buttons in my day. I take each button on it's own as to how I will clean it.  Again some good info on that post.

Buckleboy. I just read your post on cleaning buttons and want to say everyone who digs needs to read that. I can't see a thing I would disagree with. I've been digging 40 years and hate to admit it but have ruined a few buttons in my day. I take each button on it's own as to how I will clean it.  Again some good info on that post.

I agree that each button has to be considered on its own.  Even a button found 5 feet away from another one might require a different cleaning method.  It sometimes takes a careful eye and a lot of patience. 

Thank you for the kind words, my friend.


-Buckles

I agree that each button has to be considered on its own.  Even a button found 5 feet away from another one might require a different cleaning method.  It sometimes takes a careful eye and a lot of patience.  

Thank you for the kind words, my friend.


-Buckles


[/quote]
Yep time and patience. It's amazing how the same types of things coming from a few feet apart can be in such different conditions when you dig them, isn't it.
    And the kind words are well deserved but your welcome