This is a beautiful excavated pre-Civil War cuff size button for the state of Virginia. This is the smallest size of this pattern of button and measures 14mm in size. On the face is the classic Virginia state seal in the center with “VIRGINIA” at the top and “SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS”. This is the motto of Virginia which translates to “THUS UNTO TYRANTS”. The button has a wonderful look with a dark tone all over that makes the detail stand out superbly. The original back and shank is present with the correct pre-Civil War era backmark of “W.H. HORSTMANN& CO. / PHI“. This is the version and this style is listed as VA4av in Albert’s button book and VA206Bs1 in Tice’s button book, both of which we sell. This artifact came from the museum like collection of Mike Miner. According to the verbal history that accompanied this piece it was recovered in the area of the Mexican War battle site of Buena Vista, Mexico in an area occupied by General Taylor's Camp. This is a fantastic dug cuff size Mexican War Virginia state seal.