1st American Regiment "Queens Rangers" button!

[Flathead25]

1st American Regiment "Queen's Rangers" button!

Just got back to the house after a 4 hr hunt at my colonial VA spot. It was a button kind of day....4 in total. But when I started cleaning them up, I noticed one had writing on the front. After some Googling I almost fell over backwards! It looks to me like a 1ST American Regiment Queen's Rangers button! I haven't had a chance to do much more research, but there are some identical examples of this one online. I want to get it on TNet to get some of the pros opinions. I hope I got a good one this time!! Thanks for looking.

 

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[Steve in PA]

That's a great save there! The pewter Rev War buttons are deteriorating rapidly in most soils where they are found. Practice the Elmers method on a junk pewter button before applying it to this button.

 

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[Flathead25]

Thanks for all the preservation info from everyone. Y'all have got me nervous now. I will practice on another junk pewter button. In the mean time, should I keep the button wrapped in a damp paper towel?

 

[CMDiamonddawg]

Very nice indeed ! Congrats , First Regt . pewter

 

[PeteWmass]

wouldn't clear spray paint work even better....

 

[Flathead25]

Thanks for all the preservation info from everyone. Y'all have got me nervous now. I will practice on another junk pewter button. In the mean time, should I keep the button wrapped in a damp paper towel?

Well, it's all or nothing at this point. I got home from work and already noticed the edges beginning to curl and flake. I went directly to the store and got some Elmers. I've put two thin coats on hoping it will soak in better to the cracks. I'm letting the second coat dry now. Should I keep applying thin coats or do a third, heavier coat?......man, I hope I don't destroy this thing....thanks for any help.

 

[jewelerguy]

awesome piece of history

 

[Iron Patch]

Well, it's all or nothing at this point. I got home from work and already noticed the edges beginning to curl and flake. I went directly to the store and got some Elmers. I've put two thin coats on hoping it will soak in better to the cracks. I'm letting the second coat dry now. Should I keep applying thin coats or do a third, heavier coat?......man, I hope I don't destroy this thing....thanks for any help.

Don't worry about it. Elmers clue wouldn't be a big deal to remove like some other options if you don't like the look... and that's really what it comes down to, sealed and as long as it looks good to you.

It's too bad these pewters never get the recognition they deserve. So many go nuts over a GW button and we see them over and over and over again, and they usually make the banner. But then a Revolutionary War pewter button from an HONORED REGIMENT is posted and gets not much more attention than if it was a common British pewter from the 1830s. My 4th regiment got a lot of replies and made the banner, so I guess that's because it's gilt and shiny. Maybe if everyone was aware what your button is, and the fact there really is no officers examples, they'd find it a little more interesting. Well for the record there is an officer button..... 1!

 

[Flathead25]

Don't worry about it. Elmers clue wouldn't be a big deal to remove like some other options if you don't like the look... and that's really what it comes down to, sealed and as long as it looks good to you.

It's too bad these pewters never get the recognition they deserve. So many go nuts over a GW button and we see them over and over and over again, and they usually make the banner. But then a Revolutionary War pewter button from an HONORED REGIMENT is posted and gets not much more attention than if it was a common British pewter from the 1830s. My 4th regiment is on the banner and it got a lot of replies and made the banner, so I guess that's because it's gilt and shiny. Maybe if everyone was aware what you button is, and the fact there really is no officers examples, they'd find it a little more interesting. Well for the record there is an officer button..... 1!

Thank you IronPatch. I agree with you that not everyone may recognize or care about the history behind this button...but I do!! From what I've read, the Queen's Rangers were loyalist soldiers later commanded by British officers. They also were involved in every major battle in the revolution. In fact, I believe the outfit is still around today. I also understand many Queen's Guard or British soldiers were taken prisoner at Yorktown. I have read that the area I hunt had over 400 pow's marched through or housed on their way to Fredericksburg. And now I have living proof sitting on my dining room table!! For me, it doesn't get much better than that. Thank you again for your help.

 

[Iron Patch]

Thank you IronPatch. I agree with you that not everyone may recognize or care about the history behind this button...but I do!! From what I've read, the Queen's Rangers were loyalist soldiers later commanded by British officers. They also were involved in every major battle in the revolution. In fact, I believe the outfit is still around today. I also understand many Queen's Guard or British soldiers were taken prisoner at Yorktown. I have read that the area I hunt had over 400 pow's marched through or housed on their way to Fredericksburg. And now I have living proof sitting on my dining room table!! For me, it doesn't get much better than that. Thank you again for your help.

Here's a good link on them.

Loyalist Institute: Index to Queen's American Rangers History

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

I dug one of those buttons almost 5 years ago at my colonial creekfront site. It didn't fare too well in the salt water environment, but at least I was able to ID it. Nice find! I'd post pics of mine but the site won't give me that option anymore.

 

[Flathead25]

I dug one of those buttons almost 5 years ago at my colonial creekfront site. It didn't fare too well in the salt water environment, but at least I was able to ID it. Nice find! I'd post pics of mine but the site won't give me that option anymore.

Thanks Bill! Like I said on one of your most recent posts, I could almost swear we were hunting the same spots after seeing my matching finds compared to your pics. It's cool seeing such similar finds from VA colonial sites. I just wish I could get close to the quantity and quality of your finds per hunt that you post! You and Homeguard Dan are a well oiled machine! Good luck and stay warm this week...

 

[Wes-N-VA]

OUTSTANDING!! I love the button and that would have made me a very happy relic hunter also. Listen to the guys on here, you have had some wonderful advice from some of the BEST colonial relic hunters around...that is a fact! Well done fellow Virginian. KEEP IT UP!

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Thanks Bill! Like I said on one of your most recent posts, I could almost swear we were hunting the same spots after seeing my matching finds compared to your pics. It's cool seeing such similar finds from VA colonial sites. I just wish I could get close to the quantity and quality of your finds per hunt that you post! You and Homeguard Dan are a well oiled machine! Good luck and stay warm this week...

Now that I can post pics again here's the one I dug 5 years ago. Like I said, it's in bad shape due to being found in a salt water environment, but I'll take it.

 

[Flathead25]

OUTSTANDING!! I love the button and that would have made me a very happy relic hunter also. Listen to the guys on here, you have had some wonderful advice from some of the BEST colonial relic hunters around...that is a fact! Well done fellow Virginian. KEEP IT UP!

Thanks Wes! I couldn't agree with you more. It amazes me how much knowledge and info is right at our finger tips on TNet. I am so grateful for all of the input and advice that you guys provide. It makes this hobby that much more enjoyable when you can share and discuss your finds with the best of the best!

 

[Flathead25]

Now that I can post pics again here's the one I dug 5 years ago. Like I said, it's in bad shape due to being found in a salt water environment, but I'll take it.

<img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=946725"/>

<img src="http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=946726"/>

Wow! I'm slowly realizing how fragile these old pewter buttons are. The one I found was fairly shallow and was on a ridge with very little moisture. I'm starting to think we both got very lucky finding them in identifiable condition. I hate to ask, but do you have any idea on the value? I have found VERY little info on these buttons online. I definitely don't plan on selling it but I like to remind my wife know how close I am to having my finds pay for the cost of the machine ; ) Thanks again Bill.

 

[Bill D. (VA)]

Wow! I'm slowly realizing how fragile these old pewter buttons are. The one I found was fairly shallow and was on a ridge with very little moisture. I'm starting to think we both got very lucky finding them in identifiable condition. I hate to ask, but do you have any idea on the value? I have found VERY little info on these buttons online. I definitely don't plan on selling it but I like to remind my wife know how close I am to having my finds pay for the cost of the machine ; ) Thanks again Bill.

I'm sure as with any relic, condition means everything. And yours isn't bad at all. I found online where a couple of these buttons had sold in the last few years, but the sales prices were hidden. So I can't help you with that. But I'm sure there are some button experts here that could. If you have any luck with that please post the results.

 

[Iron Patch]

Wow! I'm slowly realizing how fragile these old pewter buttons are. The one I found was fairly shallow and was on a ridge with very little moisture. I'm starting to think we both got very lucky finding them in identifiable condition. I hate to ask, but do you have any idea on the value? I have found VERY little info on these buttons online. I definitely don't plan on selling it but I like to remind my wife know how close I am to having my finds pay for the cost of the machine ; ) Thanks again Bill.

I'd say $300-$400. The problem is there's not really a great middle market fro these. There's enough known the top collectors, which there are few of, all have a very nice one, and most other people just don't want to pay. Over a decade ago a friend of mine was digging some very nice ones and I'm sure those were easily doing $1,000+... but back then they were fairly rare. They still are, but not rare enough to fetch a premium, or a great price when there's condition issues. The one you dug would easily be worth a grand to me because it's one I need to find.

 

[Flathead25]

I'd say $300-$400. The problem is there's not really a great middle market fro these. There's enough known the top collectors, which there are few of, all have a very nice one, and most other people just don't want to pay. Over a decade ago a friend of mine was digging some very nice ones and I'm sure those were easily doing $1,000+... but back then they were fairly rare. They still are, but not rare enough to fetch a premium, or a great price when there's condition issues. The one you dug would easily be worth a grand to me because it's one I need to find.

Wow! Thanks for the info Ironpatch. You better believe I'll be focusing on the area I found it in. I've steered clear of it in the past because it's in the woods and absolutely covered with iron and nails. I guess just slow and patience is the key.

 

[Flathead25]

I'm sure as with any relic, condition means everything. And yours isn't bad at all. I found online where a couple of these buttons had sold in the last few years, but the sales prices were hidden. So I can't help you with that. But I'm sure there are some button experts here that could. If you have any luck with that please post the results.

Will do, Bill. I think Ironpatch has it spot on. I may email a local relic dealer to see what he would pay for it....just don't want to waste his time though. I'll let you know if I do.

 

[Iron Patch]

Will do, Bill. I think Ironpatch has it spot on. I may email a local relic dealer to see what he would pay for it....just don't want to waste his time though. I'll let you know if I do.

As a buyer (and I am) I probably wouldn't go over about $200. So it wouldn't be surprising if others offered about the same.