U.S. Army Great Seal Gilded Brass Uniform Buttons and Lincoln High School '58 Pin
Jewelry (Military Insignia and School Pins) · Various potential military contractors such as Waterbury Button Co. or Scovill; the school pin is likely a local jeweler or generic varsity manufacturer.
Pattern: U.S. Army Great Seal (Standard Issue) and Varsity Letter Year Pin
Type
Jewelry (Military Insignia and School Pins)
Maker
Various potential military contractors such as Waterbury Button Co. or Scovill; the school pin is likely a local jeweler or generic varsity manufacturer.
Material
Gilded Brass (Gold-tone plating over copper alloy base). These are not silver. The color indicates brass/bronze with gilding rather than silver or silver plate.
Dimensions
Standard uniform sizes: Large (approx. 28mm) and Small (approx. 15mm-20mm). Weight typically 3-5 grams per button.
Description
A collection of vintage military uniform buttons featuring the Great Seal of the United States, accompanied by a 'LHS 58' varsity-style class pin. The buttons exhibit the classic eagle motif used on Army tunics and dress uniforms. Though gold in appearance, these are traditional brass military hardware rather than precious metal.
Key Features
Eagle with outspread wings, shield on breast, bundle of arrows in left talon, olive branch in right talon, 13 stars above in a glory cloud.
Material & Composition
Gilded Brass (Gold-tone plating over copper alloy base). These are not silver. The color indicates brass/bronze with gilding rather than silver or silver plate.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief die-striking with gold-wash (gilding). Features the Great Seal of the United States (Eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows). The pin is polished letter-form art.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on back: 'Waterbury Button Co', 'Scovill Mfg Co', or 'Superior Quality'. No silver hallmarks (like .925) are expected on these base-metal items.
Construction Details
Die-struck two-piece construction with a front shell and a back plate crimped together; wire shank eyelet for sewing to fabric.
Functional Features
Functional coat/tunic fasteners with wire shanks. The LCS '58 piece is a lapel or sweater pin with a pin-back mechanism.
Handle & Grip Details
Metal wire shanks attached to the back of the buttons for thread attachment; pin-back for the school emblem.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial die-striking. High-quality consistent manufacturing for massive government contracts.
Authentication Indicators
Correct die-struck detail for mid-century military issue; standard wire shanks; expected age-related patina on brass base metal.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America. Most likely Waterbury, Connecticut (the historic center of American button manufacturing).
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (1940s-1960s). The '58' pin specifically dates that piece to the late 1950s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1960. Based on the 1958 date on the pin and the style of the Army Eagle buttons which match WWII through Vietnam eras.
Cultural Significance
Represents mid-century American military service and high school commemorative culture during the post-WWII era.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Some buttons show minor verdigris (green oxidation) and surface tarnish. The gilding is largely intact but shows wear on the high points of the eagle's wings.
Value Estimate
$1 - $5 per button; $10 - $20 for the class pin. Total lot value approximately $25 - $40.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid harsh silver polishes as these are brass/gold-wash and abrasive cleaners will remove the gold plating.
Similar Pieces
Eagle buttons from the Civil War (one-piece or different eagle styles) and modern plastic-filled gold-tone buttons.
Interesting Facts
The 'Great Seal' button design was adopted by the U.S. Army in 1902 to replace various regimental designs and unify the uniform appearance.