Virginia State Seal Button – “Superior Quality” Backmark

Description

Virginia State Seal Button – “Superior Quality” Backmark

Circa 1855–1865 

Large two-piece convex brass coat-size button depicting the Virginia state seal with Virtus standing triumphantly over a fallen tyrant, the motto “Sic Semper Tyrannis” (“Thus Always to Tyrants”) encircling the central device. The border remains sharply defined with traces of the original gilt finish visible in recesses. The reverse bears the backmark “SUPERIOR QUALITY” within a double ring, surrounding a solid and intact shank.

This example represents an early-war Virginia State Seal button, worn by Virginia militia and Confederate troops prior to the adoption of standardized Confederate uniform buttons.

Inventory Number: CON 628