Gilt Brass Waterbury Button Co. Military-Style Uniform Button
Button (Military/Uniform Accessory) · Yellow Gold (Gilt Finish). The color is a deep, warm yellow achieved through chemical gilding or electroplating over a base metal alloy, likely high-zinc brass.
Purity: Non-solid gold; Gilt/Electroplated. These items typically consist of a brass or copper alloy base with a thin surface layer of gold (gilt), resulting in less than 0.1% total gold content by weight.
Type
Button (Military/Uniform Accessory)
Purity
Non-solid gold; Gilt/Electroplated. These items typically consist of a brass or copper alloy base with a thin surface layer of gold (gilt), resulting in less than 0.1% total gold content by weight.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Gilt Finish). The color is a deep, warm yellow achieved through chemical gilding or electroplating over a base metal alloy, likely high-zinc brass.
Weight
3 to 6 grams. Military buttons are lightweight, designed for functional use on garments without sagging the fabric.
Description
A classic piece of American militaria, this Waterbury Co. button features a convex face (hidden in image) and a stamped back with an integrated loop shank. While it has a 'gold' appearance, this is the result of industrial gilding intended to provide a tarnish-resistant, prestigious look for uniform wear. The back display shows clear circular branding, characteristic of military and civil service contract pieces.
Key Features
Functional loop shank, 'WATERBURY CO.' embossed backmark, and a granular surface texture designed to prevent the button from sticking to the fabric during sewing.
Color & Finish
Mustard-yellow hue with a semi-matte, granular texture on the back and a high-relief polished finish on the shank. Visible oxidation and dark patina are present in the recessed lettering.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The backmark is stamped 'WATERBURY CO.' in a circular arrangement. This is a manufacturer's mark rather than a precious metal hallmark.
Dimensions Estimate
Approximately 18mm to 23mm in diameter (standard 'coat size' button); thickness of roughly 3-5mm including the shank.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The item is a singular metal piece with no stones or decorative inlays.
Clasp & Closure
Shank-style back. This is an integrated metal loop through which thread is passed to secure the button to a garment.
Chain & Links
N/A. The item features a solid metal shank rather than a chain.
Craftsmanship Details
Two-piece construction typical of the era, consisting of a front shell and a back plate joined by a crimped edge. The shank is machine-soldered to the back plate.
Authentication Indicators
The authentic manufacturer's mark is the primary indicator. The lack of 'K' or '750' stamps, coupled with the visible brassy oxidation and the specific manufacturing method (stamped back with soldered shank), confirms this is not solid gold.
Origin & Maker
USA; Waterbury Button Company, Waterbury, Connecticut. This company is a legendary American manufacturer famous for producing buttons for both the Union and Confederate armies, as well as modern military dress.
Era & Period
Late 19th Century to Mid-20th Century. Waterbury Button Company has produced buttons since 1812; the font style and 'CO.' abbreviation suggest a production date between 1900 and 1960.
Age Estimate
Circa 1920-1950. The wear patterns and the specific style of the raised-letter backmark are consistent with early-to-mid 20th-century mass production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the industrial heritage of Connecticut (once known as the 'Brass Capital of the World') and the formalization of military dress codes in American history.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The shank remains straight and structurally sound. There is minor surface grime and oxidation in the crevices of the letters, consistent with an authentic vintage piece.
Value Estimate
Collector/Resale Value: $5 - $15 USD. The value is purely historical/collectible; it has no significant 'melt' value as the gold content is negligible.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid acidic cleaners that can strip the thin gold gilding. Clean with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use silver polish or abrasive compounds.
Similar Items
Scovill Manufacturing buttons, Steele & Johnson buttons, or high-end solid 14K gold blazer buttons (which would be hallmarked and significantly heavier).
Interesting Facts
Waterbury Button Co. is the oldest button manufacturer in the U.S. and famously supplied General Grant and Robert E. Lee. Most 'gold' military buttons are actually 'triple-gilt' brass.