Post Civil War Eagle button

[JCR TX]

This general service Eagle coat button was found on one of my relic sites this past week. The only references I have show a date range of 1875-1920 for the back mark, "Steele & Johnson Mfco. Does anyone else have references that indicate a date prior to 1875?
My thought is that this is indeed a post war button and possibly from an occupation soldier during "Reconstruction" of my County. That was the only time Federal troops would have been here. The "Reconstruction" officially ended in 1872 for Texas. Any info appreciated. This is a rare find for my area. Thanks, Chris

 

[Fredneck]

You are correct by my button bibles , 1875-90

 

[fwcrawford]

Fine looking button you have there.
My resources state the same date as you have.
I do see STEEL AND JOHNSON backmark 1858-1875

 

[JimmyCT]

Sure is a beauty!

 

[fyrffytr1]

Fine looking button you have there.
My resources state the same date as you have.
I do see STEEL AND JOHNSON backmark 1858-1875

There are Steele & Johnson buttons that date from 1858-1875 but Steele & Johnson Mfg. Co. dates from 1875-1890. Clear as mud isn't it? Steele & Johnson button company was formed in 1858. In 1875 the became Steele & Johnson Mfg. Co.

 

[JCR TX]

Thanks for all the replies. I wonder how hard those dates really are. I just can’t imagine that button being lost here after 1872.

 

[laplander]

Slight difference in names is all it takes. Nice button!
HH Jeff

 

[Confetrit]

That is a Great looking button. Congrat's.

 

[JCR TX]

I took off work a little early this past Tuesday & re hunted the same area with the 6" Detech coil on the MXT. About 20 feet away from where I dug the first button I found a second one. This one is not in quite as good a condition but still cleaned up nice. It has a different Back Mark; SCOVILL MFG CO WATERBURY CT. The thin brass ring thru the shank is the same as the first button except this one did not disintegrate. I wonder if both were carded as replacements in a sewing kit?

 

[Monkeys Uncle]

I'm guessing...central Texas, hill country...Llano/Burnett area maybe????

 

[JCR TX]

Central East Texas, Anderson County. We saw much less Federal activity here. Only during "Reconstruction". Hill country/Central Texas saw a good bit of Indian fighting activity against the Commanche.