Virginia State Seal "Staff Officer" Coat Button
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Item: Virginia State Seal "Staff Officer" Coat Button
Backmark: "* SUPERIOR * / QUALITY" dm
Design: Virginia coat of arms on a lined field, with the figures of Virtus standing over Tyranny. Thirteen stars are above, with the state motto of "SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS" in a ribbon below.
Construction: High convex, three-piece.
Approximate size: 23 mm.
Condition: Very good, excavated, secure shank present. The button has a brown patina with plenty of gilt nicely high-lighting the figures of Virtus, Tyranny, the stars and motto. There is a moderate push to the spear to the right of Virtus. The backmark is clearly visible. There are no cracks, breaks, or repairs.
Recovered: Unknown
Reference: Tice: VA261C4 Albert: VA 20
Comments: According to "Uniform Buttons of the United States 1776-1865" by Warren K. Tice, regarding the Virginia coat of arms:
"George Wythe designed a coat of arms in 1776 which reflects strong anti-monarchy, pro-republican sentiments. Virtus, genius of the Commonwealth, in Amazon attire, holds a spear with her right hand and a sword with her left. The form of Tyranny lies at the feet of Virtus, with the despised crown, a broken chain, and scourge cast upon the ground. The Latin motto of Virginia is Sic Semper Tyrannis, "Thus ever to tyrants." John Wilkes Booth shouted this phrase as he leapt to the stage of Ford's Theater after shooting President Lincoln. All Virginia arms buttons bear the Commonwealth motto."
This Virginia state seal button will be an excellent addition to any excavated Civil War button or general relic collection.
- Product Code:
- PC9558
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