This non-excavated button is coat-size and in top condition. Unlike most Eagle "I" buttons you see on the market, this one was silvered. It still looks terrific and displays especially well against a Yankee blue background. I don't collect silver buttons but I have to admit -- I really like them and have thought about starting.

 

The shank on this one is perfectly straight. The button is a Steele & Johnson product and, as is often the case with their buttons, the back moves. Any button authority will tell you that Steele's products were frequently of lesser quality and were not always a tight fit. The back of this button DEFINITELY fits and is unquestionably original to the button -- but it does move. That's just a frequent hallmark of Steele and Johnson mediocrity. Still, that very fact is part of the whole story isn't it? Federal troops were often equipped with high quality accoutrements. But not always.

 

This is one I know you will be proud of and will enjoy. Remember, silvered letter buttons are much scarcer than their gilted counterparts.