RARE Confederate Button Found While Digging For Bottles...

[Staunton Dan]

While digging for bottles yesterday, I found this coat button that I thought was a Virginia 2 piece. After cleaning I saw the word Cadet and (A).M.I. (the "A" was missing but the M. and I. were clearly visible at the bottom. The only Cadet button that I have previously dug was a V.M.I. and this was clearly not a V.M.I. button. It appears to be an SU 23 or Albemarle Military Institute. What is a little different and possibly a Rare variation is that the spear is shorter and the spearhead is near the left hand. The upraised sword in the right hand is also straiter than what Albert's book shows for a SU 23. The NS Trader's price guide lists the SU 23 at $500 plus. This one has been in ash and has lost some of it's glitter but it is still a great button.

 

[Dansalata]

GREAT FIND DAN, SHOW US A PIC IF YOU CLEAN IT WTG!!!

 

[Staunton Dan]

Thanks Dan. This is as clean as it is going to get. I have tried to clean buttons that have come out of a dump before only to have them crumble in my hand. This one seems sound but I'm not taking any chances. I can see all of the identifying marks and that is good enough for me.

 

[RedGinger]

Good find, Dan! The PBS series on the Civil War is on again tonight at 8. I enjoy that show for the pictures and stories. I would love to find some things like your button. This area is just too new, though.

 

[GuntherHess]

nice , tough button to find.

 

[Staunton Dan]

Laur, our town was a supply depot during the War and goes back to the mid 18th century so you never know what you are going to find. Thanks for your comments. I have been digging this site for over 2-1/2 years. If I sifted there's no telling what I might have found. I just don't have the time though. I get the bottles I see and whatever else falls into my hands.

 

[tigue710]

Nice find Dan. I dug a federal infantry civil war era button today, i thought it was kinda funny after seeing your post. My button's common as they come though!

 

[surfaceone]

Hey Dan,

Great button, sir. There may be some more lurking just under the ground in Hooksville, 30 some miles down the road.

"One of the first homes built along it was 632 Ridge Street, bought by Colonel John B. Strange and operated as a military school until the Civil War caused it to close in 1861. Along with the Albemarle Military Institute, there were fewer than a dozen houses along Ridge Street during this period." From.

John Bowie Strange, Colonel, 19th Virginia Infantry Regiment From.

 

[creeper71]

you could use electroylis on that button, if you google it there are sites that show how to make one....

 

[Staunton Dan]

ORIGINAL: surfaceone

Hey Dan,

Great button, sir. There may be some more lurking just under the ground in Hooksville, 30 some miles down the road.

"One of the first homes built along it was 632 Ridge Street, bought by Colonel John B. Strange and operated as a military school until the Civil War caused it to close in 1861. Along with the Albemarle Military Institute, there were fewer than a dozen houses along Ridge Street during this period." From.

John Bowie Strange, Colonel, 19th Virginia Infantry Regiment From.

Thanks for the research. I found both stories very interesting. There is much to explore in this rich bed of history.