New York State Militia Staff Buttons circa 1870s -1902

New York State Staff Buttons circa 1870s -1902. Large 23mm size by SCOVILL and smaller 15mm size .

gilt brass uniform buttons represents the New York State militia staff pattern worn in the late nineteenth century, approximately 1870 to 1902. The obverse displays a U.S. eagle above a quartered shield incorporating elements of New York State heraldry, a design reserved for state staff officers rather than line regiments.

These buttons were manufactured by Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut, as indicated by the stamped reverse. Scovill was one of the principal American military button makers of the post–Civil War period and supplied numerous state militia contracts. The larger example was intended for frock or dress coats, while the smaller button was used on cuffs or pockets.

Such buttons were worn by commissioned officers serving in administrative and headquarters roles, including members of the Governor’s staff, the Adjutant General’s Department, and brigade or division staff appointments such as quartermasters, inspectors, and assistant adjutants. They were not worn by enlisted men.

State-specific staff buttons like these reflect the era before full federal standardisation of National Guard uniforms. By the early twentieth century, particularly after 1902–1908 reforms, distinctive state staff patterns were largely replaced by U.S. Army regulation buttons, making surviving examples a clear identifier of pre-standardisation New York State service.