Are these Revolutionary War Buttons

[Breezie]

Are these Revolutionary War buttons? If so or not, what era? All are non magnetic except the last 2 on the top row. The smaller of those two is only magnetic on the back. Are they pewter or lead? And what is that gross looking white stuff in button #1? All of the bottom row is marked Paris and different company names. Thanks, Breezie

 

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[Iron Patch]

No.

Well into the 1800s, if not 1900s. Rev War buttons will usually be flat one piece buttons, or bone back construction. They are for the most part fairly rare if we're talking military. Civilian Rev War era are much more common, and you did have one on a recent post.

 

[Breezie]

Are they civilian buttons or uniform buttons? Any history? Thanks again, Breezie

 

[Iron Patch]

Are they civilian buttons or uniform buttons? Any history? Thanks again, Breezie

Look civilian with an outside chance the first one could be military or associated. Could also be shipping, there's a few possibilities. I don't know what it is, so can't say for sure.

 

[Breezie]

A friend of mine saw my post, and he said he thought bottom row buttons #1 and #3 were pre-civil war and were in the style of S. Isaac Campbell & Company. He said he thought #2 and #4 were CW ones because they had a raised center with 4 holes. He referred to the book, UNIFORM BUTTONS of the United States by Warren Tice, but since I don't have that book, I can't confirm. Any opinions on this? Thanks, Breezie

 

[Silver Searcher]

There are a few buttons like yours on this link

http://www.colchestertreasurehunting.co.uk/navy buttons.htm

SS

 

[BioProfessor]

Any backmark information on the buttons like the fouled anchor one would be really helpful.

Daryl

 

[Breezie]

There are a few buttons like yours on this link

http://www.colchestertreasurehunting.co.uk/navy buttons.htm

SS

Thanks SS, that is a GREAT site, and I think I matched up the anchor button. Now if we can find the bottom row buttons, I can put a big ole fat green check on this post. Breezie

 

[BioProfessor]

Matching the fouled anchor button really depends on the backmark. There are LOTS of fouled anchor buttons out there from before the war of 1812 to last week.

Daryl

 

[Breezie]

Any backmark information on the buttons like the fouled anchor one would be really helpful.

Daryl

Daryl, if there is a backmark on those 2 buttons, I can read it. Both of the backs are corroded. I soaked them today for about 3 hrs. in peroxide, but the backs are still in pretty bad shape.

Professor, at least the back is flat and not mushroomed.Thanks, Breezie

 

[BioProfessor]

Then I don't think you can confirm the date of the button.

Dryl

 

[vayank54]

I agree with iron patch on the top buttons. The bottom ones may be civil war period as both types are dug in civil war camps but they also made both types of buttons later. The one with G & Cie Paris was made by Gourdin & company. They made buttons for the US before, during and probably after the civil war and also made buttons for the Republic of Texas and the Confederacy The firm roughly dates from the 1840's to 1900 You might be able to goggle the makers names on the other buttons and find some info on them. I hope you are able to pin down a date on them

 

[BioProfessor]

Breezie,

If you are convinced that you cannot do more damage to the back of the fouled anchor button, I can tell you how to take off the corrosion. Look in the sporting goods department of a store like Walmart. Buy a bottle of "Blue and Rust Remover" from the gun supply section. Apply it with a Q-tip, keep it wet with the solution, and let it sit or pour a small amount in a saucer and let the back soak in it. Every hour or so, take a small brass brush or sometimes a toothpick and scrap off what you can. If you can't see anything, repeat the process. In less than a day, it will be clean. Just go slow and stop when you see letters. If you continue, you may remove everything. It's not a nice way to clean things but it will get the corrosion off and if you are careful, you will be able to read what's underneath.

Another thing I have used for this type corrosion is to simmer it in Diet coke. Taking it out every hour or so and trying to use a toothpick to scrape off the crud. Sometimes that works like a charm and doesn't even harm the patina.

So if you are ready to take the road of no return on the back, start with the diet coke and if that doesn't do it, use the blue and rust remover. That WILL remove it.

Good luck.

Daryl

 

[Breezie]

Thanks Daryl, I'll try the diet coke first, and see if we have a winner.

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Then I don't think you can confirm the date of the button.

Dryl

The Professor is absolutely right. Sorry Breeze, even though its most likely old, you cannot confirm the fouled anchor button without the backmark as they are still made today. Its a common often used fashion design. Here is one similar. Is the back magnetic?. Im leaning toward blazer if its iron back. http://www.waterburybutton.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=46&idproduct=22696

Someone should be able to Google those French buttons.