Button Collecting Guide: Books, Makers & Civil War Buttons!

21 May, 2025

Could a simple button hold the key to unlocking a captivating story? Indeed, the unassuming button, often overlooked, is a portal to history, whispering tales of fashion, warfare, and political movements. From the opulent designs of bygone eras to the pragmatic forms of military uniforms, buttons offer a unique lens through which to view the evolution of society.

The world of button collecting is a niche, yet vibrant community, fueled by a shared fascination with these tiny artifacts. Knowledgeable enthusiasts pore over catalogs, scrutinize backmarks, and meticulously document their finds. One invaluable resource is "Dating Buttons" by Warren K., a guide offering dates for various backmarks and visual aids. This, along with books like "American Military Button Makers and Dealers; Their Backmarks and Dates" by William F., provides crucial information for dating and identifying buttons.

The allure of button collecting extends beyond simple identification. Collectors are drawn to the stories embedded within each piece. Special events, as noted by Warlick, can dramatically influence a button's value. Take, for instance, a campaign button from the 1900 presidential race featuring William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. The assassination of McKinley shortly after the election transformed these buttons into highly sought-after collectibles. Such instances underscore the dynamic interplay between historical events and the tangible objects they leave behind.

The search for buttons isn't limited to dusty attics and antique shops. One might stumble upon a treasure in unexpected places. Consider the Queen Anne cufflink discovered on the Thames foreshore, a tangible link to a specific historical period. The discovery of such artifacts speaks to the enduring nature of historical objects and their capacity to connect us to the past.

Beyond individual collectors, buttons also play a functional role in various contexts. Control buttons, for instance, are essential for creating groups of buttons to create toolbars, and this is relevant in the digital space. Button design extends into fashion, military uniforms and beyond, as seen with shops like "Buttons Galore and More" offering themed buttons, embellishments, and craft kits, providing inspiration for creative projects. The world of button design merges historical interest with modern practicality.

For those seeking inspiration and connection within the button community, resources such as the BGM Box offer project ideas and a way to subscribe to button-related updates. The pursuit of button collecting is a journey that requires patience, research, and a keen eye for detail. It's a world that offers a unique blend of history, aesthetics, and the thrill of the hunt.

A prominent figure in the field of button collecting is William Leigh, who has built some of the most extensive and significant military button collections. His deep knowledge has earned him recognition as a leading expert. As a life member of the Company of Military Historians and the American Button Society, William Leigh's work embodies the passion and dedication of the most enthusiastic button collectors.

The study of buttons also extends to manufacturers and retailers. "Is a Canadian uniform accoutrements manufacturer based in Montreal," producing buttons and metal badges. This company's story includes a memorable tagline, "Wear like a pig's nose". This unique piece of historical trivia shows the branding used on the garments buttons featured a pigs head with Finck written above.

For enthusiasts of American history, the Civil War era provides a rich hunting ground. Shops like "Civilwarbuttons.com" offer authentic Civil War relics, including Confederate and Union buttons. These artifacts provide a direct link to a defining moment in American history. These items are more than just decorative elements; they are tangible pieces of the past.

The resources available to button collectors are vast and varied. "A Chronology of Button Types, Makers, Retailers & Their Backmarks," by Warren K., is invaluable. The "Directory of American Military Goods Dealers & Makers," by Bruce S., provides crucial context. For enthusiasts of American military history, the "Record of American Uniform and Historical Buttons, Bicentennial Edition," by Alphaeus H., offers comprehensive insights into the types and makers, etc.

Beyond specific historical periods, buttons from railway companies provide a captivating area of specialization. Railwayana collectors seek out buttons that reflect the diversity of the railway system. The ubiquity of the brass trouser button serves as a reminder of utilitarian design, the enduring appeal of functionality that continues today.

In order to understand the evolution of button design, one must examine the materials and techniques employed across different periods. What does a 1700s button look like? Often, these buttons feature handmade edges and natural carvings. The use of shellac or oil coats, and crude hammering or stamping, is also often present. These details highlight the artistry and craftsmanship of the era.

The meticulous work of researchers and collectors also plays a vital role. William Stafford's blog post from January 30, 2017, provides insights. Another resource for those delving into the details of button backmarks is "Abbate de Caro / New York: Button Co. / Newark, N.J. Post War Star."

In the realm of political memorabilia, buttons can serve as powerful reminders of pivotal events. The button recounting the history of nuclear launch, referenced in relation to Perry, the secretary of defense in the Clinton administration, and Tom Z. Collina, the director of policy at Ploughshares Fund, illustrates how these small objects can be used to preserve memories of both triumph and tragedy.

The books referenced throughout this article offer a wealth of detail. "American Military Button Makers and Dealers; Their Backmarks and Dates" by William F., is a seminal work. The exploration of buttons requires an understanding of the makers and dealers. Buttons are a tangible connection to the past. Whether a collector is focused on military buttons, political campaign items, or those related to the Civil War, each button represents a small piece of the past. Through dedicated research and careful study, the world of buttons continues to reveal its secrets.

Those interested in sharing their own finds can submit photos and inquiries. You may find your own images included in upcoming publications. Every button tells a story, and the more stories are collected, the richer the understanding of history will become.

The meticulous study of these objects, combined with an awareness of the events they represent, allows collectors to gain a more nuanced understanding of the past. The world of buttons is an invitation to uncover a wealth of untold stories, waiting to be discovered.

Category	Details
Button Type	Military, Political, Fashion, Railwayana
Materials	Brass, Shellac, Oil Coats, etc.
Historical Periods	Civil War, Revolutionary War, 1700s, 1900s, and beyond
Notable Figures	William Leigh, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, Perry, Tom Z. Collina
Key Publications	"Dating Buttons" by Warren K., "American Military Button Makers and Dealers; Their Backmarks and Dates" by William F.
Collectors' Resources	Civilwarbuttons.com, Company of Military Historians, American Button Society, BGM Box
Button Backmarks	Details of manufacturer and date on reverse of button
Button Designs	Pig's Head, McKinley/Roosevelt Campaign Button, etc.
Button Function	Fastening Garments, Toolbars, Collectors' Items
Button Value	Influenced by Historical Context and Scarcity
Website Reference	Collector's Weekly

Set of 8 William Morris Large Handmade Ceramic Buttons. Etsy

Details

Details

Set of 4 Large Round 27mm (one Inch) Handmade,washable,lightweight

Details

Detail Author:

Name : Ms. Leanne Keeling
Username : tiara.kovacek
Email : donny.luettgen@rau.com
Birthdate : 2006-12-04
Address : 2031 Bryana Lakes Dorotheastad, CT 11775-6498
Phone : (863) 359-8276
Company : Quigley and Sons
Job : Plant and System Operator
Bio : Tenetur voluptas et iure veniam. Quis dolore possimus ut molestiae deleniti. Animi in culpa est enim deserunt.

Socials

twitter:

url : https://twitter.com/oleta.eichmann
username : oleta.eichmann
bio : Sed distinctio enim qui possimus eum. Quod sint quisquam quidem id explicabo repellat. Similique vero non veniam dolor autem.
followers : 6348
following : 201

facebook:

url : https://facebook.com/oleta_eichmann
username : oleta_eichmann
bio : Corporis exercitationem maiores voluptatibus sequi. Ut non omnis saepe nemo.
followers : 3644
following : 1031

linkedin:

url : https://linkedin.com/in/oleta_eichmann
username : oleta_eichmann
bio : Mollitia porro iure dolores qui mollitia labore.
followers : 5008
following : 2887

instagram:

url : https://instagram.com/oleta.eichmann
username : oleta.eichmann
bio : Tempore non quia doloribus. Quod perferendis repellat illum. Aliquid ipsum hic eum quia.
followers : 5959
following : 1126