This listing is for a very unique, hand-made sterling silver pendant, designed for Civil War relic hunters, metal detecting enthusiasts and history buffs in-general. My name is Leonard Short and I have combined my two careers of goldsmith/jewelry designer and artifact restoration to create a line of metal detecting jewelry. This pendant is a precision replica, modeled from a Civil War era State of MISSOURI Coat of Arms button (Alberts MO2 / Tice MO205A) that was worn during the American Civil War by MISSOURI troops, as the subject! This pendant is NOT an actual Civil-War period artifact!! This particular style of MISSOURI militia button was manufactured by the Scovill Button Manufacturing Company in Waterbury Connecticut. The buttons were produced until after the War, but the wartime buttons can be verified with the proper back mark. Missouri was designated as one of five border States during the AmericanCivil War, meaning the State was torn between sympathizers for the Union, as well as for the Confederacy. The State convention voted against joining the Confederacy, but did exude pro-Confederate sympathies. Union-led State militias struck down and defeated Confederate militia in the State, which led to an abundance of "bushwackers" and poorly organized bands of guerrillas in the State. The most famous of these was Quantrill's Raiders, with famous outlaws, Frank and Jesse James being two of the most notorious members. 
The button's design incorporates the State's coat of arms. Missouri's coat of arms depicts two grizzly bears supporting a shield in the center, illustrating that Missourians have strong support for both State and Federal Governments. The split shield represents the idea that State and Federal governments have distinct roles, but they are ultimately united. The perimeter of the shield has the following State motto embossed: UNITED WE STAND / DIVIDED WE FALL. Ironically, this is the same State motto as another of the five border States: Kentucky. The crest is a helmet, which symbolizes the idea of sovereignty. Finally, there is a ribbon at the bottom of the design with the Latin phrase Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto (Let the good of the people be the supreme law).
All details of this button's design are sharp and crisp in the execution of the silver pendant replica. The bail on this pendant is uniquely crafted with long-term wear in mind. It has an opening that measures 3mm x 6mm in order to accommodate a very substantial chain. In addition, the bail has my signature, hinge mechanism. 
If you are in need of a nice sterling silver chain on which to wear the pendant, please check out my other listings. My recommended chain style for my pendant line is a 2.5 mm diameter sterling silver wheat style chain. There are  several listings for the following lengths:  18" , 20",  24” and 30”.
This is a unique pendant design that you will not find anywhere else! 
Shipping is $8 in the United States. (Other destinations will require a calculation on shipping). 


INTERNATIONAL BUYERS– PLEASE NOTE: 
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.


Any purchases made within the State of Virginia must also include 5% Virginia State Sales tax. I am offering a 14 day return policy if not fully satisfied for any reason. For return, customer is responsible for return shipping cost. Please e-mail me with any questions that you may have BEFORE BIDDING. IF YOU LIKE THIS PENDANT DESIGN, PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON MY OTHER LISTINGS, AS I HAVE BEGUN THE PROCESS OF CREATING AN ENTIRE LINE OF METAL DETECTING AND TREASURE HUNTING-THEMED PENDANTS AND RINGS. I will periodically be adding additional designs to the line as I have time to design and create the master models. Thanks for viewing my listing!