Massachusetts began using images from its State seal on its general service militia buttons as early as 1800. From 1800 to 1825 the buttons typically displayed some form of the standing Indian holding bow and arrow with North Star over shoulder. By 1830 some buttons had the State seal with Indian on a shield with the crest of an arm holding sword above. With the reorganization of the militia in 1840 being renamed the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, the button with the arm holding sword, surrounded by the words "MASS VOLUNTEER MILITIA" was introduced, and continued to be the style used during the Civil War. Massachusetts also had numerous well-to-do volunteer companies that had their own distinct uniform and buttons.
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