By
Daniel J. Binder

· Unquestionably, the best, most exhaustive, and surely the most authoritative reference on pre-1865 United States and Confederate military buttons was written by Warren K. Tice. Entitled Uniform Buttons of the United States 1776-1865, this massive hardback was published in 1998 by Thomas Publications (Gettysburg, PA). It can be obtained directly from the author by contacting him at his listed e-mail address. Mr. Tice’s book is truly a labor of love, and is an absolute treasure for collectors. To simply call it a button book would be to do it a mis-service. It covers virtually everything pertaining to the topic: button manufacturers, manufacturing techniques, company histories, backmarks, die varieties, Confederates, regiments and units – you name it and it’s there. The book is profusely and lavishly illustrated in black and white, and not only pictures button faces. It pictures button backs and backmarks, shanks, button dies, period military photographs and engravings, and much, much more. The book also establishes an updated – and more logical – alphanumeric button reference system for collectors. Mr. Tice has also produced a paperback price guide that lists approximate market values of dug and non-dug buttons that are referenced to his updated system and cross-referenced to Albert’s more established system.

· Long deemed the "bible" for American uniform button collectors, Alphaeus H. "Dewy" Albert’s Record of American Uniform and Historical Buttons (Bicentennial Edition) is a standard for enthusiasts. It was published by Boyertown Publishing Company of Boyertown, PA. This hardbound book, almost universally referred to as "Albert’s" or "Albert’s book," is heavily illustrated in black and white and offers an alphanumeric button referencing system that has been widely adopted by collectors. Albert’s references all types of American uniform buttons, military and otherwise, ranging from state seals, to Confederates, to military branches, to state militias, to governmental organizations. The book can be obtained from most Civil War book and relic dealers.

· Although a pioneer work and a reflection of the author’s many decades of collecting and research, Albert’s book is often confusing to those who specialize in Civil War military buttons simply because it was never intended to be a "Civil War button" book. It covers both pre-1865 and post-war buttons but, for the most part, makes no differentiation between the two categories. To alleviate confusion, I wrote a small paperback entitled Civil War Collector’s Guide to Albert’s Button Book. It was published in late 1993 by Publisher’s Press (Orange, VA). My book serves as a guide for Civil War button enthusiasts who wish to navigate Albert’s work. It provides additional information and commentary as well as corrections to the original text. A second, updated and expanded edition is anticipated later this year or early in 2000, and will also contain a compendium of my button related articles published in North-South Trader’s Civil War magazine since 1986. A few copies of the 1993 edition are still available from Civil War book and relic dealers.

· American Military Button Makers and Dealers;Their Backmarks & Dates by William F. McGuinn and Bruce S. Bazelon is indispensible. This small hardback is absolutely packed with data on button manufacturers, dealers, military outfitters, and retailers. It lists hundreds of backmarks and boasts many fine photographs of button backs, dies, and button related memorabilia. It’s a true must for any collector and is well worth the modest price. The latest edition (1996) can be obtained directly from author McGuinn, and is usually stocked by Civil War book and relic dealers.

· David F. Johnson’s two-volume hardbound set, entitled Uniform Buttons American Armed Forces 1784-1948 was published in 1948 by Century House (Watkins Glen, NY). This pioneer endeavor is the predecessor to Albert’s book, and is somewhat incomplete in comparison with more recent books. It does contain some errors and misidentifications but is still an interesting reference source revered by serious collectors. Long out of print, Johnson’s set can sometimes be purchased through used book dealers and Civil War relic dealers.

· Before Albert finalized his general treatise on uniform buttons, he published Buttons of the Confederacy in 1963 (Boyertown Publishing Company). This small hardback consists of the material on Confederate central government buttons, pre-1865 southern state seals and militia buttons, and pre-1865 southern military school buttons that he incorporated into his later book. Truthfully, this 1963 reference offers nothing that Albert’s later book contains but it is still definitely a "nice to have" item. Similar to Johnson’s books, Albert’s 1963 reference on Confederate buttons is out of print and can be difficult to find. Try a used book dealer.

· Luis F. Emilio’s The Emilio Collection of Military Buttons was originally published in 1911 by The Essex Institute (Salem, MA) and was reprinted in 1942. The book was written by Captain Emilio who served during the Civil War. It contains information about many types of U.S. and European military buttons. Although I don’t consider Emilio’s book an essential element of a button collector’s library, I do recommend it to enthusiasts because of Emilio’s fascinating commentary on his many extended travels to obtain buttons for his collection. The original 1911 edition is difficult to locate, but the later 1942 printing is sometimes available from used book sellers.

· C. Terry Teff’s softcover, entitled North Carolina Civil War Buttons, was published in 1998. While narow in scope, this work reflect’s the author’s passion for Civil War period North Carolina buttons and is highly recommended to anyone with even a passing interest in the subject. It is heavily illustrated in black and white and contains personal commentary from Mr. Teff. For a modest price, this fine reference can be purchased from the author or from Civil War relic dealers.

· Although not a reference book per se, North-South Trader’s Civil War magazine may be of definite interest to button collectors. This well produced bi-monthly publication is devoted to Civil War memorabilia including, but certainly not limited to, small arme, projectiles, accoutrements, edged weapons, buttons, buckles, photographs, uniforms, headgear, and flags. It is highly recommended to anyone interested in Civil War relics. Since 1986, the magazine has published my many articles which deal with a broad spectrum of button related topics. Button articles by other authors also appear there as well. Those interested in finding out more about the magazine can visit NSTCW’s website at www.nstcivilwar.com

updated 05/21/00