This week I received an email from Gavin asking for some button research assistance:

“Hello my name is Gavin and I found a New York State seal button metal detecting. I’m not sure what period it is from and who would he wearing such button. I was wondering if you could help me out and do some research on it. I’m having a terribly hard time finding it online. The back mark says “superior quality.”  Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing back from you.” 

New York State Seal Cuff Button
Button Back – “Superior Quality”

 

I shared Gavin’s email with the Google Group “ButtonBytes” and J. Fraizer provided an answer – mystery solved! 

 

“Your cuff button is a “New York City Seal” button from 1920’s and continued for some time. It would have been worn by uniformed city employees. Police and Fire Dept. had their own buttons. The “Superior Quality” backmark was used by all the major button manufacturers. Hope this helps. J. Frazier”