Button ID/Age

[Tack Driver]

I Found this button in Northern New York close to Sackets Harbor couple years back. I think it’s a navy button, and would assume early 1800s but I can’t find this exact button on the net. It would be very helpful If anyone had any information on this exact design. I would love to know the date range if possible. The size is just smaller than a dime, 15 stars around an eagle woth shield on the right, almost looks like the letter I above the leg but not for sure and it has no writing on the back, Thanks in advance!

 

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[ANTIQUARIAN]

If you could also post a pic of the back, that would help with the age and authentication.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Tack Driver]

Trying to get a better picture but it’s a flat button no writing or anything on the back besides the shank

 

[nkellam22]

The fact that it has no writing on the back makes me skeptical about if its military of just repo. The eagle looks kinda weird as well. It also seems in amazing condition for how old it it would be if it is real. But i am no expert, it could very well be real.

 

[Tack Driver]

I was surprised at the shape when I dug it out and was puzzled about the plain back, I guess it has some build up on the Back, maybe it’s covering it up. it was found at an old foundation With barely no sign it even existed. found a couple large cents there and a few other things from 1800s

 

[duggap]

By blowing up the picture, it looks like there may be writing on the back. But it would need to be cleaned better, if possible, to get the writing.

 

[Tack Driver]

Ill do something with it tonight and see if I can get a better picture

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Cool find, Good Luck on the ID!

 

[Tack Driver]

Here is a couple better pics, there’s a layer of currosion on back but still seems to be blank. Also there’s a better pic of shank if it helps any

 

[fyrffytr1]

It looks a lot like NA 70 in Albert's book. This is the description in Albert's book. Remember that this book was written originally in 1977 so there are probably more examples that have been found since then. 16mm is smaller than a dime.

NA 70 Navy 1-piece
The device with 15 five-pointed stars on a plain field.
A. "Armitage/Phila" rm; 16mm RV 10.

 

[fyrffytr1]

Doing a little more research I found that George Armitage was in the button making business from 1799-1826 when he died. In 1826 he had a contract for 500 gross of US buttons. This contract was filled by William Pinchen and included the NA-70 button. That might explain why there is no backmark on your button.

 

[Tack Driver]

Thank you for the info. And thank your for your time and reasearch.

 

[fyrffytr1]

There does look like some lettering at the 12 o'clock and 4 o'clock position. Be careful cleaning it because the lettering was raised.

 

[Tack Driver]

Alright thank you. usually I don’t really fully clean them, that’s why it was still dirty. I know it doesn’t take much to make a coin/button hard to read

 

[fyrffytr1]

My eyes may be playing tricks on me but I think I see the letters "R & M" starting at the one o'clock position in the top photo you posted in reply #3.

 

[Tack Driver]

here’s a close up. I almost want to say I see a 18 at 4 o’clock and maybe some writing at 2 o’clock...but that could be my eyes playing tricks on me too lol