Button Help

[RelicHunterBobNH]

I found this button in an old muster field. A Draped Bust large cent 1796-1807, no visible date, was also found there. This is a thin flat button the size of a nickle but much thinner. The front is smooth and no visible designs. Can you tell me what kind of button this is? Thank you.

Bob

 

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[Montana Jim]

It's not a "back mark" - but a "quality mark". I'd date it early 1800s.

The quality marks are generally unattributable to any certain maker, but are in some cases. Someone with a button book might have that information available to them. Many have the eagles and some stars as well - like yours.

Quality Mark : "A term used for certain words found on the backs of buttons made after 1800. It is believed the purpose of the words was mainly to promote sales, as the differences in quality can seldom be noted. Most of the marks appeared between 1800 and 1850. Examples are "Rich Gold", "Gilt", and "Rich
Orange" (Luscomb 1967:163).

I know it's not much help - but thats as close as I can get.

 

[RelicHunterBobNH]

Thanks Jim. It does have the word "BEST" on the back. Knowing it is from the early 1800's should help me in researching it more. I have found a number of CW buttons all with eagles on the front. This is the first button I have seen with an eagle on the back. Of course I've only been detecting for a few years so a lot of things are new to me!

Bob K

 

[Montana Jim]

Thanks Jim. It does have the word "BEST" on the back. Knowing it is from the early 1800's should help me in researching it more. I have found a number of CW buttons all with eagles on the front. This is the first button I have seen with an eagle on the back. Of course I've only been detecting for a few years so a lot of things are new to me!

Bob K

No problem Bob... there are many variations on the theme: Best; Best Quality; Triple Gilt - and on and on and on...

It's most likely a blank front civilian button that used the (very popular) "eagle" theme and not military at all. It's in pretty good shape and a great find.