Perhaps one of the most common buttons of the period, it appears to be the "poor man's version" of the black painted utility button. This button was found on the early war Federal Shelter half (type II according to the Fred Gaede typology), as well as many confederate uniforms, and naval uniforms. In his book, The Federal Civil War Shelter Tent, Gaede refers to this as darkened bone. Despite the fact that it was widely used in the 19th century, this button has not been reproduced until now. We specifically had these button produced based on an original, which features a wider rim, and shallow dish. The 5/8" (27 Ligne) offered here has been found on waistbands, shelter halves and an original US Navy "Noreaster" foul weather hat. Grab 'em while they last!