Army Corps of Engineers, 1st Manufacturer Wishart.

~ Topographical Engineers ~

     In 1813 the Army integrated (as part of the General Staff) and organized the first group of Topographical Engineers. This group of engineer servicemen usually worked independently, and did not follow the normal Army protocols or regulations which bound regular enlisted men. These individuals were map makers. They would ride out on horseback into America’s unknown territories and survey the land with a compass and various instruments. As America began settling new territories, the Army saw the functionality of creating a separate entity known simply as, “Topographical Engineers.”  Officially, their primary duty was to make detailed land navigational maps for the Army expansion into the west. The maps also provided aid the troops in selecting the best ground to fight hostile Native Indian forces. These maps helped plot routes for troop movement, and provided marked areas of concealment from the enemy. By 1863, the Topographical Engineers was absorbed into the Army Corps of Engineers.

 

 

1832 Topographical Engineers

Color: Gold!
Metal: 1-Piece, Low Convex Gilded Brass.
Size: 23mm.
Albert’s Number: TE 3: RV 25
Tice’s Number: TE206B.2
Variation: 1-Piece/ 2 Stars on Top Row.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Exceptional Planchet Condition, An Exceptional High Relief Pattern Remains.
Isabela’s Notes: This button was made to the Army’s specifications of 1832. The button depicts A large American Shield with 13 five-pointed stars on the top lined field. (Some Variants have one star on top row). There are thirteen alternating thickness vertical stripes on the lower half of the shield. Below the shield is the initials in Old English, “TE” for Topographical Engineers. The whole pattern is set upon an evenly lined field with a thin raised edge border.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is possibly re-soldered or original, straight, and intact. *SCOVILLS * WATERBURY 2 inner rm rings.

The H. Ridgeway Collection.

 

 

1849-61 New York 7th Militia Regiment, 10th Company Engineer Corps

Color: Gold!
Metal: 2-Piece, Low Convex Silver Plated Copper.
Size: 20mm.
Albert’s Number: NY 40: RV 10
Tice’s Number: NY224A.1
Variation: Fortress on an Evenly Lined Field.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong High Relief Pattern Remains.
Isabela’s Notes: This button’s pattern depicts a Bastion with Three Towers on an evenly lined field. There is a small raised edge border. Originally organized April 1847, and then designated the 10th company in 1861.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a two-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is is original, straight, and intact. .SCOVILLS &Co./ WATERBURY rmdcwith a stippled channel.

 

 ~ The Army Corps of Engineers ~

 

1812-15 The Army Corps of Engineers

Color: Gilt Brass Yellow.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Raised Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 25mm. Coat Size
Albert’s Number: EG 1: RV 35
Tice’s Number: EG 046
Variation: Eagles Wing Tips Face Downward / Long Thin Sun Rays / Wide Banner Ribbon / Very Small Sun.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, Strong High Relief Pattern Remains.
Robert’s Notes: This officer’s button depicts an Eagle in flight with Downward Facing Wing Tips. In the Eagle’s Beak is a Narrow Banner Ribbon with the Engineer’s 1806 motto, “ESSAYONS.” The Sun’s Rays are short, and only One Ray Reaches the Ribbon. The sun is a small raised stipple. This variant shows a Bastion with an adjacent wall. There is an outside raised Concentric Ring Edge Border.
Reverse Button Analysis: The Shank is original, straight, and intact. This One-Piece button was made by Hugh Wishart of New York City on a Re-Used English Plain Gilt Button. More strongly stamped specimens of EG 1A, simply bear the mark “WISHART” only.

Picture courteous of Ian Workman.

 

1815-30’s Army Corps of Engineers

Color: Tinted Down Brass Yellow.
Metal: Slightly Convex, 1-Piece, Raised Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 24mm. Coat Size
Albert’s Number: EG 3: RV 25
Tice’s Number: EG 100B
Variation: Eagles Wing Tips Face Downward / Short Sun Rays / Narrow Banner Ribbon / Small Sun.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, Strong High Relief Pattern Remains.
Robert’s Notes: This British die variant isn’t listed in Tice’s book, but the Lewis & Tomes backmark dates between 1815-1830. This officer’s button depicts an Eagle in flight with Downward Facing Wing Tips. In the Eagle’s Beak is a Narrow Banner Ribbon with the Engineer’s 1806 motto, “ESSAYONS.” The Sun’s Rays are short, and only One Ray Reaches the Ribbon. The sun is a small raised stipple. This variant shows a Bastion with an adjacent wall. There is an outside raised Concentric Ring Edge Border.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a slightly concave one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact. LEWIS & TOMES, / EXTRA RICH. rm channel marker.

 

 

1860-65 Army Corps of Engineers

Color: Scuff Flat Brass Yellow.
Metal: Low-Convex 2-Piece, Raised Design, Gold Plate.
Size: 23mm. Coat Size
Albert’s Number: EG 6: RV 05
Tice’s Number: EG 215A.2
Variation: Eagle With Upward Facing Wing Tips/ Suns Rays Long / Sun is Larger / Wide Banner Ribbon.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, Strong High Relief Pattern Remains.
Robert’s Notes: The button depicts an Eagle in flight with Upward Pointing Wing Tips. The Eagle’s body in this die variant tends to be wider. In the Eagle’s Beak is a Wide Banner Ribbon with the Engineer’s 1806 motto, “ESSAYONS” in raised Roman font capital letters. The Sun’s Rays are Long and Reach the Ribbon. The Sun is a Large Round Stipple. In this depiction, there is a Single Bastion Wall. There is an outside raised Concentric Ring Edge Border.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a two-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact. . SCOVILL MF’G CO. / . WATERBURY..RMDC

 

1815-30’s Army Corps of Engineers

Color: Coppery Brass Yellow.
Metal: Low-Convex, 2-Piece, Raised Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 15mm. Cuff Size
Albert’s Number: EG 6: RV 25
Tice’s Number: EG 215 Bs.1 Using As.1 Backmark
Variation: Eagles Wing Tips Face Downward / Space Between Sun and Rays / Castle Two Dimensions.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, Strong High Relief Pattern Remains.
Robert’s Notes: In this variant, there is a flat spot between sun and rays. The Sun’s Rays reach into the Ribbon. The sun depiction is a Small Raised Stipple. The Eagle is in flight, and it’s Wing Tips are facing Downward. In the Eagle’s Beak is a Wide Banner Ribbon with the Engineer’s 1806 motto, “ESSAYONS” in large Roman font capital letters. This die variant shows a Bastion with an adjacent wall. There is a raised Concentric Ring Edge Border.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a two-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact. 

 

 

1840’s Army Corps of Engineers

Color: Antique Greenish-Yellow Brass.
Metal: Low-C0nvex, 2-Piece, Raised Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 22.53mm. Coat Size
Albert’s Number: EG 6: RV 25
Tice’s Number: EG 215 E.1  
Variation: Eagles Wing Tips Face Upward / Sun Rays Almost Reach Ribbon / Bastion Single Wall.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, Strong High Relief Pattern Remains.
Robert’s Notes: This officer’s button depicts an Eagle in flight, and it’s Wing Tips are facing Upward. In the Eagle’s Beak is a Wide Banner Ribbon with the Engineer’s 1806 motto, “ESSAYONS” in raised Roman font capital letters. The inscription is set on a Stippled base. The Sun’s Rays almost reach the Ribbon. The sun is a Large Raised Stipple. This variant shows a Single Bastion Wall.There is an outside raised Concentric Ring Edge Border.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a two-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact.

 

 

1815-30’s Army Corps of Engineers

Color: Bright Brass Yellow.
Metal: Low-C0nvex, 2-Piece, Raised Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 13.7mm. Cuff or Hat Size
Albert’s Number: EG 6: RV 25
Tice’s Number: EG 215 Es.1 
Variation: Eagles Wing Tips Face Upward / Sun Rays Just Touch Banner Ribbon / Bastion Single Wall.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, Strong High Relief Pattern Remains.
Robert’s Notes: Robinson made these buttons for Engineer officer’s sleeves or hats. The button depicts an Eagle in Flight and the Wing Tips are facing Upward. In the Eagle’s Beak is a Wide Banner Ribbon with the Engineer’s 1806 motto, “ESSAYONS” in raised Roman font capital letters. The Sun’s Rays just touch the Banner Ribbon. The Sun is a Large Round Raised Stipple. This variant shows a Single Bastion Wall. There is an outside raised Concentric Ring Edge Border.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a two-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact. . ROBINSONS .  EXTRA (Robinson RW23as)

 

 

1815-30’s Army Corps of Engineers

Color: Oxidized Gold.
Metal: Low-C0nvex, 2-Piece, Raised Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 15mm. Cuff Size
Albert’s Number: EG 6: RV 25
Tice’s Number: EG 215 Es.1 Unlisted Backmark
Variation: Eagles Wing Tips Face Upward / Sun Rays Almost Touch Ribbon / Bastion Single Wall.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, Strong High Relief Pattern Remains.
Robert’s Notes: Unlike the coat examples, this smaller cuff’s variant’s Sun Rays Do Reach the Ribbon. In this depiction, the Eagle’s is in flight and the Wing Tips are facing Upward. In the Eagle’s Beak is a Wide  Banner Ribbon with the Engineer’s 1806 motto, “ESSAYONS” in raised Roman font capital letters. The Sun’s Rays almost touch the Banner Ribbon. The sun is a Large Raised Stipple.  This variant shows a Single Bastion Wall. There is a raised Concentric Ring Edge Border.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a two-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact.

 

 

1860’s Army Corps of Engineers

Color: Tarnished Gold.
Metal: Low-C0nvex, 2-Piece, Raised Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 22.71mm. Coat Size
Albert’s Number: EG 6G: RV 25
Tice’s Number: EG 215 F: Unlisted 
Variation: Eagles Wing Tips Face Upward / Sun Rays Almost Reach Ribbon / Bastion Single Wall.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, Strong High Relief Pattern Remains.
Robert’s Notes: This button was probably manufactured by D. Evans for Schuyler & Hartley in the 1860’s. This officer’s button depicts an Eagle in flight, and it’s Wing Tips are facing Upward. In the Eagle’s Beak is a wide in-scripted banner ribbon with the Engineer’s 1806 motto, “ESSAYONS” in raised Roman font capital letters. This inscription is set on a stippled base. The Sun’s Rays almost reach the Banner Ribbon. The sun is a Large Raised Stipple. This variant shows a Single Bastion Wall. There is a raised Concentric Ring Edge Border.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a two-piece button with a soldered on copper loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact. SCHUYLER HARTLEY & GRAHHAM * / * NY * inner ring of short hyphens. 

1860’s Army Corps of Engineers

Color: Reflective Gold.
Metal: Low-C0nvex, 2-Piece, Raised Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 23.1mm. Coat Size
Albert’s Number: EG 6G:      RV 25
Tice’s Number: EG 215 G.1  
Variation: Eagles Wing Tips Face Upward / Sun Rays Are Short of the Banner Ribbon / Large Flat Stipple.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, Strong High Relief Pattern Remains.
Robert’s Notes: This button was made by Waterbury button co for officers in the Corps of Engineers. This officer’s button depicts an Eagle in Flight, and it’s Wing Tips are facing Upward. In the Eagle’s Beak is a Wide Banner with the Engineer’s 1806 motto, “ESSAYONS” in large capital letters. This inscription is set on a Stippled Base. The Sun’s Rays are Short of the Banner Ribbon. The Sun is a Large Raised Flat Stipple. This variant shows a Single Bastion Wall. There is a raised Concentric Ring Edge Border.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a two-piece button with a soldered on copper loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact. WATERBURY BUOON CO. /* EXTRA * (WATERBURY 17)

 

 

1860’s Army Corps of Engineers

Color: Brown Speckled Gold.
Metal: Low-C0nvex, 2-Piece, Raised Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 16mm. Cuff Size
Albert’s Number: EG 6G: RV 25
Tice’s Number: EG 215 G Unlisted Variant
Variation: Eagles in Flight / Sun’s Rays Almost Touch the Banner Ribbon / Large Round Stipple.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, Strong High Relief Pattern Remains.
Robert’s Notes: This small cuff button was made by Waterbury button company for officers in the Corps of Engineers. This officer’s button depicts an Eagle in Flight, and it’s Wing Tips are facing Upward. In the Eagle’s Beak is a Narrow Banner with the Engineer’s 1806 motto, “ESSAYONS,” in large capital letters. This inscription is set on a Stippled Base. The Sun’s Rays are almost touch the Banner Ribbon. The Sun is a Large Round Raised Stipple. This variant shows a Single Bastion Wall. There is a raised Concentric Ring Edge Border.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a two-piece button with a soldered on copper loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact. WATERBURY BUTTON CO*  (WATERBURY 22SMALL)

 

 

1860’s Army Corps of Engineers

Color: Antique Gold.
Metal: Low-Convex, 2-Piece, Raised Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 22.5mm. Coat Size
Albert’s Number: EG 6: Not Listed
Tice’s Number: EG 215UK.1 
Variation: Eagles Wing Tips Face Downward / Space Between Sun and Rays / Bastion Two Dimensions.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, Strong High Relief Pattern Remains.
Robert’s Notes: This button was probably manufactured in the 1860’s by Steele & Johnson for Horstman. In this die variant, there is a flat spot between sun and rays. The Sun’s Rays reach into the Banner Ribbon. The Sun is a Small Raised Stipple. The Eagle’s Wing are Close to the Body and the Tips are facing Downward. In the Eagle’s Beak is an in-scripted banner with the Engineer’s 1806 motto, “ESSAYONS” in Roman font capital letters. This variant shows a Bastion with an adjacent wall. There is a raised Concentric Ring Edge Border.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a two-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact.