Virginia State Seal Coat Button
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Item: Virginia State Seal Coat Button
Backmark: "W. H. HORSTMANN & SONS / . PHI ." rmdc
Design: Virginia coat of arms on a plain field, with the figures of Virtus standing over Tyranny. The state motto of "SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS" is below with "VIRGINIA" above.
Construction: Convex, two-piece.
Approximate size: 21 mm.
Condition: Excellent, excavated, secure shank present. The button has an overall chocolate brown patina with no pushes, cracks, breaks, or repairs.
Recovered: Cumberland Church area, Cumberland County, VA.
Reference: Tice: VA229B3 Albert: VA 15
Comments: This excavated Virginia state seal coat button was acquired directly from the local Virginia digger. Interestingly, the engagement at Cumberland Church is considered to be the last battle victory for the Confederacy prior to Lee's surrender at Appomattox.
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:
- PC9239
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