This is a US riflemen’s button as worn on their uniforms during the Civil War.   The brass device is a convex shaped, 2-pc button that measures 20mm.  Some of the original gold gilt comes through a moderately dark brown patina.  Block letter “R” is seen within the eagle’s shield device on the button face.

On reverse the backmark is crisp and clear and reads “HORSTMANN & ALLIEN NY”.  Emigrating from Germany in the early 1800s, William H. Horstmann settled in Philadelphia, PA bringing his textile trade to the United States.  In the 1824 he was responsible for introducing the U.S to plaiting and braiding machines.  Shortly thereafter he moved into the military sector, would eventually retire in 1845, and his sons William and Sigmund, would open a branch in New York.  The shank is slightly bent, intact, is strong and tight.    [MC] [ph:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!