Dandy button

[Hutch911]

Can someone help with explianing the "dandy button " is that what thoes big flat buttons are really called. Aslo what time period are they from 1700,1800 ?

Thanks

 

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[PBK]

The term "dandy buttons" seems to be widely used among British collectors, and I believe it was introduced here on TNet by Crusader. Presumably, the name derives from the fact that they were worn on the coats of elegantly attired 18th century gentlemen, or "dandies."

I can find no established usage of it in U.S. buttons literature. Instead, authors typically describe them simply as "[gilt] copper buttons, 1770-1800" (Hughes & Lester) or "large, flat copper buttons, ca. 1770-1795" (Tice).

However, I believe that the term may have appeared in one or two fairly recent U.S. magazine articles— perhaps written by TNet members.

 

[Hutch911]

Thanks seem these button turn up at some Civil war sites I have found a few.

 

[fortbball9]

So is there a difference in a coin (flat) button and a dandy button.I have found several flat buttons in civil war camps range in size from 3/8 in to 1 1/4 in.

fortbball9

 

[Don in SJ]

The term "dandy buttons" seems to be widely used among British collectors, and I believe it was introduced here on TNet by Crusader. Presumably, the name derives from the fact that they were worn on the coats of elegantly attired 18th century gentlemen, or "dandies."

I can find no established usage of it in U.S. buttons literature. Instead, authors typically describe them simply as "[gilt] copper buttons, 1770-1800" (Hughes & Lester) or "large, flat copper buttons, ca. 1770-1795" (Tice).

However, I believe that the term may have appeared in one or two fairly recent U.S. magazine articles— perhaps written by TNet members.

I concur with PBK's comments.

It is all Crusader's fault, LOL, next we will be all going to the "Loo" .

My feelings are since it is only a British use term,(we certainly did not have "Dandies" here in the colonies and early America) that I will not use the term, just like I don't go to the "Loo"
Don

 

[Don in SJ]

In general the age of a large flat button is, if approx 30mm in diameter and larger, dates to the 1770-1795 period, but were used heavily at least until 1815. Buttons that are called "Transitional" buttons are 18-30mm in diameter are in general 1795-1805 era. Then the smaller gilt buttons took over as the most popular used buttons.

One must remember that buttons, like coins were most likely used for a long period of time after their "minting" or manufacture date It would not be unusual to find buttons of an old age at a much newer site, just like some coins were in circulation for 50 or more years in the early years of our country.

Don

 

[cti4sw]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but how might I best clean an old copper dandy button that has a pattern in it? I'm afraid to do electrolysis for fear of ruining the design. You can view the buttons I'm talking about here: http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/today-s-finds/364153-heart-attack-honey-hole.html

 

[DigDug216]

Cleaning with a toothpick is the only way i would ever clean buttons and coins.