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Carved cross-section of a butternut, with metal pin and hook on reverse.
pins (jewelry)
nut (plant material)
Pin, Clothing
Brooch
Brooch
Butternut pins were worn during the Civil War by a faction of Northern Democrats called Copperheads or Butternuts who believed that the federal government did not have the right to stop a state from succeeding from the Union. The butternut was chosen because the color of some Confederate uniforms were dyed a butternut color and as a result Confederate soldiers were called "butternuts." Also, when the butternut was cut in half it showed two joined hearts which could not be separated by law or war.
1584
Unknown
1 x 1 1/8 x 1/4 (HxWxD) (inches)
1924.775
Title Cuff buttons Accession Number 1924.774 ab
Title Brooch Accession Number 1924.775
Title Tortoiseshell bracelet Accession Number 1932.2744
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