Is this a Civil War button?

[UShistorybuff00]

Hello everyone. I was wondering if anyone can tell me if this a civil war era button?  Thanks. 

[268th C.A.]

yes Federal Eagle button. Union but used by both sides. 

[UShistorybuff00]

Thanks!

[268th C.A.]

Nice undug button. 

[UShistorybuff00]

What about this one? Maybe a cuff button..

 

[Duggap]

That particular button was used until 1876.  As to if it was used in the war, that might depend on where it was found.  But if I had found it I would pound that site real hard.

[UShistorybuff00]

Thanks. You’re referring to the smaller button?

[268th C.A.]

With the steel backing Id say its more of a post Civil War era button.  IMO

[UShistorybuff00]

Thanks 

[Duggap]

That's the only button made with a steel back, excluding Confederate locals.  It's actually not a cuff button but a kepi button.  They allowed that button to be steel because it fit against the leather ban.  If they were on cloth they would cause rust on the uniform.  

[UShistorybuff00]

What’s a kepi button used for?  

[268th C.A.]

Cap button... for the chin strap. 

[UShistorybuff00]

Thanks for the great info

[S.ChrisKelly]

Examples below:

1) top left, soldier's Civil War Era; top right, soldier's post Civil War Era/19th century; bottom, officer's (likely) post Civil War Era/19th century.

2) reverses of above buttons.

3) kepi buttons: left, rubber soldier's Civil War Era, generally attributed to "Berdan Sharpshooters"; right, officer's (likely) post Civil War Era/19th century.

4) reverses of above buttons.

5) tunic buttons: top, officer's Civil War Era; bottom, officer's modern reproduction.

6) reverses of above buttons.