Federal Eagle Button Size - CS Usage?

[poilu1917]

The use of Federal Eagle buttons on Confederate uniforms has been well documented and one could assume the general service 3/4" button was the most commonly used size for both US/CS garments, but is it just me or does the buttons on the jacket shown in pictures 39-40 from The Confederate Soldier at Fort Mahone, Battle of Petersburg, April 2, 1865 by Fred Adolphus:



(http://www.adolphusconfederateuniforms.com/the-confederate-soldier-of-fort-mahone.html)

How many known CS original garments or original photos showing CS garments out there appear to have the larger 7/8" US dress coat/overcoat or officer size eagle buttons? Thanks in advance for everyone's thoughts.

[Jimmayo]

Re: Federal Eagle Button Size - CS Usage?

I found two of the large eagle buttons in a Fed Camp in Petersburg. I found one in a CS camp also in Petersburg. Out of many eagle buttons I have found (never kept count but there were lots) they are the only large ones I have found. Years ago when I originally saw that picture I also thought they were the large eagle buttons and still do although there is no way to really tell. Maybe they were a late war item. I have found a good number of Eagle I buttons in that size. You can down load the archival Tiff version of that picture from the LOC and really zoom in on them. I have the same picture on this page and some thoughts on the use of eagle buttons by CS soldiers. http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/j_mayo/csequip.html

[poilu1917]

Re: Federal Eagle Button Size - CS Usage?

Jim,
Thanks for your response. I have seen your website before (great stuff). I was looking at the Cpl. William Brittingham photo you referenced and his buttons appear to be the larger "officer/overcoat" size federal buttons as well but like you said its hard to be 100% sure. That is interesting how out of all the originals you have found they are of the larger 7/8" and not the "general service" 3/4" size.

On a similar button question note, I was going to ask how common the Eagle "I" buttons were found in the "general service" size of 3/4". I have seen some originals dating prewar in the 3/4" size but its my understanding most were the larger 7/8".

[Jimmayo]

Re: Federal Eagle Button Size - CS Usage?

I think you are trying to make me go blind. The large buttons I have are approximately 0.9 inch in diameter. I have a ration can with some eagle buttons dug out of Mead's headquarters/5th corps camp in Petersburg. Out of 9 buttons I checked 6 were approximately .775 and the other 4 were approximately .75. The measurement was taken by an old OD micrometer where you have to line the graduations up to determine the final decimal place. Had to get the magnifying glass out. That is why the measurement is approximate. Got to get me a digital micrometer one of these days. You can do the math to convert to fractions. Most button books use mm for sizing. As for the Eagle I buttons they seem to come in the 0.9 and the 0.775 with the 0.775 a little more common especially in early war sites. They may also vary some between contractors.