Hard Rubber Buttons, Square design, Wire Shank

Marked "N.R. Co. Goodyear's P=T . 1851"

These buttons are RMDC (Raised mark in depressed channel). This style of backmark was only popular for a very short time and was all the rage during the Civil War. Generally, buttons with this feature are dated no later than approx. 1870. 

Unusual Square style.  

Note: These are vintage buttons and there will be some variations in color and condition. 

There were 2 major companies producing hard rubber buttons during the period from 1852 to 1872. (Under the Goodyear 1851 patent) One being the Novelty Rubber Company the other being the India Rubber Comb Company. Examining examples from each company, it is noted that the Novelty Rubber Company was the high end market supplier, making buttons of superior quality and design. The India Rubber Comb company is better known for making lower cost, plain buttons, mostly to be used on coats. Novelty Rubber Co. closed their doors in 1886.