Early “I”

[T-DUB]

Got on an early Eagle I yesterday. Silver washed / plated. Backmark - Treble Plated with ** on the bottom.

 

[JCR TX]

That’s super nice. Why Silver wash instead of the normal gilt?

 

[Odanscoils]

Beautiful.
Never see anything like that around here.

 

[laplander]

That's an early one all right, well done brother!

 

[T-DUB]

That’s super nice. Why Silver wash instead of the normal gilt?

My understanding is for a couple of reasons, but don’t take that as gospel.
1) Early on the Infantry silvered their buttons to distinguish themselves from the regular army, such as Artillery, which had gold gilt.
2) Silvered worn by an officer of the Infantry.

** This early two piece dates to the late 1830’s up through the mid 40’s. Subjective on the dates though because it’s not like nowadays where you can go to the PX and get a new one. Buttons of old and new versions were utilized for many years back in the day. Thanks JCR.

 

[T-DUB]

Beautiful.
Never see anything like that around here.

Thanks much Odan.

 

[T-DUB]

That's an early one all right, well done brother!

Thanks Lap, still not up to your level on “bad a$$ finds”.