I just found a rattlesnake button!

RelicHunter97

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Sep 10, 2010
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Western Massachusetts
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I just found a rattlesnake button! (Pictures Added!)

Hello everyone! It's been quite a while since I've posted anything!

So today I was metal detecting in the yard of the 1833 farm house I'm currently situated at. Things were going pretty slow (I've been in the yard almost every day for a month), but I had found half a buckle and a 1909 wheat cent earlier (No S or VDB :sadsmiley:) so I was hopeful. Suddenly, I see a couple approaching me, and they come up to me and ask what I was doing, because they had seen me out several times before and were curious. So I explained to them what I was doing and why, and some of the things I had found in the yard, and they seemed pretty interested. The lady told me that their yard used to be a potato field, and she offered it up for me to hunt, without me even asking! I said yes, of course, and they walked me over there, telling me some of the history of the property on the way, and then showing me the boundaries. I get started right away.

In my first pass, I found a 1937 Merc and a wheat cent. Soon after on my return pass I pop out a button. At first I couldn't tell what it was, but it looked awfully familiar. Then I made out the snake! Boy was I excited! So I put it in a separate pocket from my other finds and continued on. I ended up finding a picket spill with a silver roosie and two wheat cents, some nickels, another wheat cent, a pendant, and some whatzits. I'll have pictures up soon, I promise, but I'm not sure where my camera is right now. However, BrokenKnee found one identical to mine, so I will post that image, but it is NOT MY BUTTON, just to be clear. (My button is in poorer condition than the one pictured, unfortunately)

I'm super pumped!
 

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Upvote 10
Hello everyone! It's been quite a while since I've posted anything! So today I was metal detecting in the yard of the 1833 farm house I'm currently situated at. Things were going pretty slow (I've been in the yard almost every day for a month), but I had found half a buckle and a 1909 wheat cent earlier (No S or VDB :sadsmiley:) so I was hopeful. Suddenly, I see a couple approaching me, and they come up to me and ask what I was doing, because they had seen me out several times before and were curious. So I explained to them what I was doing and why, and some of the things I had found in the yard, and they seemed pretty interested. The lady told me that their yard used to be a potato field, and she offered it up for me to hunt, without me even asking! I said yes, of course, and they walked me over there, telling me some of the history of the property on the way, and then showing me the boundaries. I get started right away. In my first pass, I found a 1937 Merc and a wheat cent. Soon after on my return pass I pop out a button. At first I couldn't tell what it was, but it looked awfully familiar. Then I made out the snake! Boy was I excited! So I put it in a separate pocket from my other finds and continued on. I ended up finding a picket spill with a silver roosie and two wheat cents, some nickels, another wheat cent, a pendant, and some whatzits. I'll have pictures up soon, I promise, but I'm not sure where my camera is right now. However, BrokenKnee found one identical to mine, so I will post that image, but it is NOT MY BUTTON, just to be clear. (My button is in poorer condition than the one pictured, unfortunately) I'm super pumped!

Interesting. 13 dots above and a snake perhaps signifying colonies. Does it have to do with "don't tread on me" and the Gadsden flag?

Sent from my iPhone using TreasureNet
 

really high in the cool factor
 

Yes, I do believe the dots (eggs) refer to the thirteen colonies. This is a late 1700s button that was worn as a show of patriotism.
 

Wow, thats cool, nice finds!
 

Oh man I am so digging this button! I found one awhile ago that was called a patriotic political button with 13 "stars". I am going to private message you two names of well respected button experts from that time period that may be able to help you. Awesome find. Here is a pic of mine and the response I got. Please keep us updated

If the experts were from that time period, I doubt that they can help because they apparently died a long time ago. Sorry but I just couldn't pass that one up!:tongue3:


Frank
 

If the experts were from that time period, I doubt that they can help because they apparently died a long time ago. Sorry but I just couldn't pass that one up!:tongue3: Frank
Ha well said my friend lol. Yes they are 240 years old. You've just never heard of them lol
 

Although the image is blurry, I believe your style of button is approximately 1/3 of the way down on this page ( George Washington 1789 Inaugural Button ) with the following description:

THIRTEEN EGGS ABOVE A LIBERTY CAP ON A LIBERTY POLE WITH A RATTLESNAKE COILED AROUND

Color: Dark Wood.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Raised Design, Brass.
Size: 24mm.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Strong Planchet Casting, Strong High Relief Pattern.
Isabela's Notes: This is another variation of a snake wrapped around a liberty pole. The button's pattern depicts a hissing Rattlesnake coiled around the base of the pole, that has a Liberty Cap on top. In this variation, the snakes head is facing upward. Circling around he top half of the button's edge is 13 eggs.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is reportedly missing.

Library Records Has Limited Information on IBB-12:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Massachusetts ~

Dug in Massachusetts.~
 

Yes I've seen that page, BullBat, but thank you though! A personal friend of mine found the same button and sold it for $400, and TreasureNet user BrokenKnee found the same button (the one in the image in this post) And sold it for $700.
 

That's awesome that information was found. Spot on!

Sent from my iPhone using TreasureNet
 

Way cool button!
 

Nice goin' ! Mother Nature was not kind to your pewter button , still a tough to find 13 Colonies relic for sure !

:cake:CMD
 

That is neat man,I have only seen then in books pictured next to GW buttons.
 

I have the same one sir, its a rattlesnake patriot and loyalist button.
 

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