General Staff Buttons
Button Galleries
Pre-War Buttons
Before the outbreak of the Civil War, General Staff buttons reflected the refinement and growing professionalism of the antebellum U.S. Army. Typically gilt brass with a convex “ball” or flat profile, these buttons bore a proud spread eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch—early symbols of military readiness and peacekeeping authority. Crafted by noted manufacturers like Scovill and Horstmann, their quality and intricate detail reflected mid-19th-century military pride. Worn by officers on dress and frock coats, these pre-war buttons represent the tradition, craftsmanship, and national identity that would soon be tested amid the coming division of the American republic.
Post-War Buttons
Following the Civil War, General Staff buttons continued to symbolize distinction within the evolving U.S. Army uniform tradition. Retaining the familiar gilt finish and domed “ball” design, these post-war examples often featured refined detailing and improved manufacturing techniques. The eagle motif persisted—now rendered with sharper relief and standardized features—representing continuity, authority, and national pride during Reconstruction and beyond. Produced by firms such as Scovill and Waterbury, these buttons were both functional and ornamental, adorning dress uniforms of officers who carried forward the legacy of the Union Army into a new era of professionalized American military service.
Ball Buttons
This finely crafted ball button, used on Civil War–era U.S. General Staff uniforms, exemplifies mid-19th-century military elegance and authority. Featuring a convex, domed “ball” shape made of gilt brass, it was designed to reflect light and resist tarnish while conveying prestige. The face typically displays an eagle clutching a shield and olive branch—symbols of strength and unity—surrounded by a lined or plain field. Attached via a sturdy shank on the reverse, these buttons adorned officers’ coats and frock uniforms, representing rank, craftsmanship, and the pride of the Union’s commanding elite during America’s defining conflict.
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ABOUT US
Welcome to generalstaffbuttons.com, a website dedicated to the study and collection of the U. S. Army staff button 1832-1902. The intention of this site is to provide information and resources, as well as a public forum for discourse and discussion related to these buttons. The absence of a concise record, pertaining to these historic relics, prompted me to initiate this effort. I will utilize a photo gallery to detail as many of the numerous die faces and backmarks as possible. Specific classification of each button, with pertinent details will be provided, with the intent of a resourceful catalog of graphics and data for the collector and curious visitor alike. I profess no authority of expertise here, but approach this work as an interested collector and novice historian of the period in which they were used. I have collected and handled these buttons since childhood, and still retain that particular fondness associated with holding a piece of history in the palm of my hand. “If only that button could talk”. There exist many collectors with far greater knowledge and collections of buttons. It is my hope to enlist their aid and assistance in identifying and analyzing these devices. The purpose of this website will be far better served with such participation. I welcome all comments, corrections, and critique.
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