Confed Cav buttons??

[YMikels]

Greetings Pards,

A question; Does it matter what type of button was issued with the different Depot jackets specific to the branch assigned the issuee?

I have a beautiful RD II.5, (Ramsey jacket) made by C. Daley that I bought off this forum that has Federal Eagle "I" buttons. Recently, I purchased an equally beautiful CD I made by C. Childs, again, off this forum that has Block "I" buttons.

I'm a new member of the ONV. As such, I'm currently developing both an E. and W. theater Confed Cavalry personas. Should I be searching for buttons more specific to an ANV and AoT trooper? Federal Eagle "Plain" or Block "C" perhaps?

It looks as though events held by the ONV would mean that I could possibly represent different Confed Cav groups depending on what is needed for that particular weekend. Meaning, finding out what one particular Regt wore will not be sufficient. I'm looking more for Generalization. My research thus far has not been that detailed as to mention specific buttons. I have Mr. Ark...? wonderful book, "Cadet Grey and Butternut Brown". I've read and re-read Mr. Jensen's informative articles on Depot jackets. I've been on Mr. Mayo's site and the "Lazyjacks" site from the UK, all without result.

A pm would be sufficient and any help would be greatly appreciated. Even a, "Point in the right direction". I now turn toward the "Confederate Button Meisters" of this most informative forum.

My gut feeling is that it didn't matter and the Infantry buttons are perfectly acceptable for both jackets being worn in the Cavalry Arm.

I am, most respectfully,

Brian Y. Mikels
ONV

[YMikels]

Re: Confed Cav buttons??

Wow, shortest thread "life" ever. Must be the time of day posted or; Should I, "Get the hint"?:baring_te

Bumpity, bump..

I am, again, most respectfully,

Brian Y. Mikels
ONV

[minieball]

Re: Confed Cav buttons??

Probably the most common button issued on EM jackets from the Richmond Clothing Bureau shops (mid war period) is the E.M. Lewis Block "I" and (to a lesser extant) "A". This is based on extensive excavations from ANV 62/63 sites, primarily winter camps. Pre-war Federal letter buttons are very common on extant uniforms and excavated in camps but I have not heard nor seen any documentation either way that they were sewn on/issued at the RCB. Of course, foreign made (read English) buttons seem to be fairly common as well, mostly Issac & Campbel script "I"'s.

Just my two cents worth. I'm sure others will chime in on this subject.

[T.Kern]

Re: Confed Cav buttons??

Probably the most common button issued on EM jackets from the Richmond Clothing Bureau shops (mid war period) is the E.M. Lewis Block "I" and (to a lesser extant) "A". This is based on extensive excavations from ANV 62/63 sites, primarily winter camps. Pre-war Federal letter buttons are very common on extant uniforms and excavated in camps but I have not heard nor seen any documentation either way that they were sewn on/issued at the RCB. Of course, foreign made (read English) buttons seem to be fairly common as well, mostly Issac & Campbel script "I"'s.

Just my two cents worth. I'm sure others will chime in on this subject.

I don't think it really matters until maybe latter with eng imports. Even then ?? Issued jackets are issued jackets.
Todd Kern
Winchester Virginia

[Jimmayo]

Re: Confed Cav buttons??

I hunted a NC Cav camp around Petersburg. Most of the buttons I found were eagle buttons, NC sunburst and block A. I am sure there were some C buttons found but there were also plenty of other buttons found which makes me believe they were wearing whatever the depot or state issued. I have always wondered how a Artillery or Cav unit were supposed to get coats with the correct branch of service buttons. Anybody ever see any requisitions specifying type of buttons?

[YMikels]

Re: Confed Cav buttons??

Mr. Harrington, Todd, and Mr. Mayo,

I sincerely thank you for your responses and I appreciate your time. I'm surprised this didn't warrent more discussion from those out there with the knowledge. Block "C" buttons did exist albeit not as prominant as the Block "I" or others of course.
What was the criteria in order for a trooper to get them and how? Private purchase, gift from the Regt Commander, issue?? Of course this forum is very Infantry heavy and possibly the reason for the low feedback about another Branch of the conflict.

Just food for thought. I think I'm happy with my Depot jackets as they are.

I am, most respectfully,
Brian Y. Mikels
ONV

[ley74]

Re: Confed Cav buttons??

Brian:

A few points:

Many folks on this board are really busy during the day. Do not be discouraged if it takes 24 hours for replies. Other than a quick glance, there may be no time to pull references.

Confederate cavalry employed far fewer men than infantry. The numbers are not in front of me but, the sheer number of regiments would be the tip off.

In addition, the very few uniforms that survived exhibit the diminutive numbers of surviving garments. For example: In the collection of the Museum of the Confederacy (A Catalogue of Uniforms)in Richmond I count three jackets (not including dress frocks) for cavalry troop. Of these three jackets, two have Virginia buttons and one (to a private no less) had federal staff eagles.

Jim has much more extensive digging experience than many. If he is providing anecdotal information, the answer may not be available.

You could try giving DP Newton a call at the White Oak Museum, just outside Fredericksburg. Off hand he could probably cite the most prevalent types of buttons he has dug from Confederate cavalry camps. The man is amazing.

Best to your efforts.

[Jimmayo]

Re: Confed Cav buttons??

I forgot about the Warehouse in Richmond where quite a few Block C buttons were found. About 20 or so years ago there was development in downtown Richmond. Remains of one of the CW era warehouses was unearthed during the construction. I believe it was the Mayo warehouse (no relation). This warehouse was burned during the evacuation of Richmond. The local relic market was flooded with numbers of block C buttons found in the ashes. They were going for around 50 bucks each and I wish I had bought every one I saw. Haven't seen one of them in years. They must all be tucked away in collections.

I found this one almost in my back yard in a 11th Penn Cav. Camp in Portsmouth

[YMikels]

Re: Confed Cav buttons??

Mr. Watson,

I thank you for your input and greatly appreciated. I knew of this Mr. D.P. Newton while looking through another button thread. He certainly seems approachable by your account. I've already copied the contact number from the Museum's website and will give him a call after the weekend.

I've never had an opportunity to visit the MOC. I envy all of you who have and those few who have done research there even more so. It's tough to be trapped this far North while having Southern roots and heartfelt interest. Roots that is, on only one side of the tree.

Mr. Mayo,

Thank you for that interesting story. Well there's a reason why a number of Cav buttons didn't make it out to the troopers. I'm right with you regarding not taking advantage of scooping up a few while they were "flooding" the market. I say a "few" as, twenty years ago $50 meant more than it does today.

All in all, I'm very happy with my two shell jackets and the Infantry buttons that came on them. Guess I can simply discard those shiny plastic C.S.A. buttons I labored long and hard to procure......just kidding.

Vivat Kavaleria! Vivat!

I am, most respectfully,
Brian Y. Mikels
ONV

[ley74]

Re: Confed Cav buttons??

Brian:

Even though you live up north, you have great opportunity!

Joining the Museum of the Confederacy is not expensive. Their publications are available and, with membership come discounts. In addition, the collection and library are supported by a core of dedicated curators. My particular favorite is noted author John Coski. Check them out as a little membership can go a long way.

DP Newton is top shelf. A number of folks and I are headed there in March. They need to thaw and I need to see DP on a personal research matter. Carl's Ice Cream opens February 14th so and even better reason to hit Fredericksburg.

Regards,