This is a nice excavated coat size uniform button from the state of New York. This is the classic Civil War New York with the shield in the center and the "EXCELSIOR" written below it. The original back is intact with the shank missing in action. This has the Steele & Johnson maker's mark which is a little better than the usual extra quality marks. The back turns but isn't coming off. This is the version that is listed as figure NY30 in Albert's book and NY220 in Tice's button book. The verbal history that accompanied this piece is that it was recovered years ago on private property near the battle of Spanish Fort, Alabama which is just outside of Mobile, Alabama. This button will make a great New York to add to your button collection.