Have you tried looking in Tice's Uniform Buttons of the United States?  I
usually have really good luck with that one.  Here's the reference if you
don't have it.

Tice, Warren K.
1997  Uniform Buttons of the United States: 1776-1865.  Thomas Publications,
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Good luck!

Paul G. Avery, RPA
Principal Investigator
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Tennessee Office
2908 Sevier Avenue
Knoxville, Tennessee 37920
Office: 865.249.6035; Facsimile: 865.249.6036; Mobile: 865.202.8091
http://www.crai-ky.com
 


-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jennifer
Low
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 3:01 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Eagle and stars design copper alloy button

Hi Janice
Sounds remarkably like an example from the civil war era, there are a number
of designs with the eagle and 13 stars, many with extra features depending
on the branch of military they represented or sometimes even embossed with
the name of a state. You might be able to do a google image search and
locate the one you have to get you on the right track. Jen

--- On Tue, 14/9/10, Janice Adamson <[log in to unmask]> wrote:


From: Janice Adamson <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Eagle and stars design copper alloy button
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Tuesday, 14, September, 2010, 1:52 PM


Hi 
I wondered if anyone can give me some information/date on a copper alloy
15mm button I have found from a 19th century site here in New Zealand.   On
the front is an eagle with drooping wings, and 13 stars surrounding it.  The
rear has a shank with a hole.  I'm assuming it is American however I can't
find any literature so was hoping someone could shed some light.. Thanks.
Janice