Turns out to be Civil War! Yes.The back stamp states Horstmann Bros & Co, which places it directly as a Civil War era button, made between 1850 and 1863.
It is unusual to find such a button, all the more so in Canada. But we know that men from Buxton returned to the States to serve in the Civil War, fighting for the union army. So, it is not impossible to find these sorts of gilt buttons from time to time.
This one comes from the Buxton Settlement itself. What makes it even more intriguing is that it was found on land once owned by Henry K. Thomas, whose son is known to have served in the union army.
The full story is that the Thomas lad returned to Buxton, only to come down with small pox within a day or two. The entire household was quarantined, and all eventually got ill with the dreaded disease. Miraculously, only one died. Is it possible that this button was from a uniform burned and buried in fear of the deadly disease? Perhaps. One thing is clear, this is a precious find for Buxton, in recognition of its original settlers and their remarkable history.
Well now, the plot thickens. According to a prominent collector of Civil War era buttons, the raised shield design is post-Civil War, dating between 1875 and 1902.
ReplyDeleteSo, the jury seems divided a bit.
If it is not a Civil War button, it raises the possibility of a Buxton "Buffalo Soldier." Hence, the plot thickens.
Interesting reading. Apparently the "raised shield" is post Civil War. Darn.
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