This is a great button. It is an original Civil War cuff size uniform button for the state of Maryland. This is the version listed as MD11av in Albert's button book and as MD200as5 in Tice's button book, both of which we sell. This is the correct Civil War version but with the backmark that reads "EXTRA * QUALITY *". The face of the button has the Maryland state seal with a fine look. The seal shows the quartered coat of arms in the center with an eagle up above. There is a farmer supporting the shield from one side and the other side is held up by a fisherman. They both stand on ribbon with the motto of the state of Maryland in Latin. It reads "Crescite et Multiplicimini" which translates to "Increase and Multiply". The word "MARYLAND" is in bold block letters across the bottom. The face of this button is and it has some of the original gold gilding remaining down in the recesses. This is a great Non-excavated Confederate cuff button with the correct Civil War era back mark.