![]() Scovill produced for both the North and the South until hostilities began. ![]() Further, it does appear that Scovill did on occasion use old backs or old dies to fill a more recent contract, probably due to lax inspection or as a means of cutting costs or increasing production. Dates are approximate at best, and some late 1860's marks could be transitional. Backmarks with rmdc date to the 1850's, and dm backmarks after that. Of the buttons produced using the Scovill name, the use of "Scovill MG." dates to the early 1850's, it then evolved into "Scovill MF'G" sometime in the mid 1850's. Scovill also produced many "custom" contracts for other outfitters, supplying buttons stamped with the outfitters name, or in other cases with blank backs. They changed backmark styles frequently, and we are able to generally date the buttons by these changes. The firm was formed in approximately 1850, as a combination of the already substantial "Scovill" partnerships in business preceding that date and continued until the 1970's. Lord.Scovill was by far the most dominant of the Civil War era button manufacturers. The Button Board is referenced in Civil War Collector's Encyclopedia vol. This rectangular button polishing board measures 8" x 1.75" and is currently made out of Poplar Wood. Proudly Made in USA in the Great State of Idaho. The Button Board is referenced in Civil War Collector's Encyclopedia vol. Currently made with Poplar wood in stock.Ĭlick on the image to see a larger picture. These unused gilded brass buttons, intended for use on Confederate States Navy regulation uniforms, feature anchors atop crossed cannons with the acronym. ![]() This button polishing board has a handle, measures 8.5" x 1.75" and is stained with linseed oil. While officers often had metal polishes and cleaners, the soldier used fire pit ash as a substitute. ![]() Button polishing passed the soldiers' boredom, especially during the winter months. The board is slipped over the uniform button when polishing it to prevent the uniform from getting stained by the polishing paste. The Civil War was in many cases a "spit and polish" war for the troops and a button board was a must have. ![]() Both military and civilian clothing sported these tarnishing metal buttons. These buttons were not tarnish-proof and contact with finger oils, air, and the elements guaranteed these buttons did not stay shiny for very long. Metal was a very common material for buttons during the Civil War.
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