U. S. Marine button.

[Forty Rod]

I have a red brass button, 5/8" diameter, highly domed, with an eagle atop a fouled anchor.  The wings are drooped and the head is turned to the bird's right.  There are 13 stars above the eagle covering about half of the circle's arc just inside a smooth outer rim.  The rest of the background is horizontally striped as though "reeded".  It is tarnished, but not otherwise damaged in any way.

The back is also dome, but not as much as the front and has an "eye" soldered in the center.  Around the outer edge are the words HORSTMANN on top and PHILADELPHIA at the bottom.

I'm pretty certain this is a USM button, but don't know the era it's from.

Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks.

BTW, I also have about ten modern reproductions but this one has a higher dome both front and rear, and that HORSTMANN stamping isn't on the modern ones.

[Will Ketchum]

You have the oldest US Marine insignia button.  The modern Marines use the very same button on todays dress uniforms.

Will Ketchum

[Forty Rod]

About when was this used?  I can't find the period but know it's post 1830s...I think.

[Dr. Bob]

Forty Rod,

Check the reference section of your library for:

     RECORD OF AMERICAN UNIFORM AND HISTORICAL BUTTONS  BICENTENNIAL EDITION  by Alphaeus H. Albert, published by the author in 1976  The section on USMC buttons starts on page 106.  There are lots of pictures that should help you determine the age of your button.  Good searching!!