Iron Buzz
Bronze Member
- Oct 12, 2016
- 1,749
- 2,380
- π Honorable Mentions:
- 1
- Detector(s) used
- XP Deus, Minelab Equinox 800
- Primary Interest:
- Metal Detecting
I found an unusual button today while metal detecting a Minnesota site that dates to the 1850s. It is cast metal of some sort, probably pewter or similar, judging by the weight. It is 7/8" diameter, and has a wire shank that is embedded in the cast metal. Not sure of the design but it seems to have a bird(?) and a couple of flowers. I *think* it is in the correct orientation in my photo, but I'm not 100% certain of that. There is no writing on the back... just a rather rough surface from the casting.
Minnesota became a territory in 1849 and a state in 1858, but I have found buttons here that are decades older than that... either brought in on hand-me-down clothing, in grandma's button tin for use in sewing and repair of clothing, or for trade items with the natives. I'm hoping somebody can fill me in on when cast buttons like this were in use and any other information about it that you may have.
Minnesota became a territory in 1849 and a state in 1858, but I have found buttons here that are decades older than that... either brought in on hand-me-down clothing, in grandma's button tin for use in sewing and repair of clothing, or for trade items with the natives. I'm hoping somebody can fill me in on when cast buttons like this were in use and any other information about it that you may have.