This type of button was adopted in 1832. It was the first button manufactured using three
parts: front, back and a rim that holds them together. Buttons of three piece contruction are
called staff-type buttons by button collectors. This button
was worn by all general officers and also members
of the various staff departments, surgeons, paymasters, quartermasters, etc.
The regulations allowed medical cadets and aides-de-camp to use them. Other general orders allowed military
telegraphers to wear staff buttons. These buttons are also fairly common due in part to the large
number of buttons on a general's uniform. For example, a major general would have a total of twenty-eight
buttons of both sizes on each of his coats.
