Clay? Button Help

[turtlefoot13]

I went out for about an hour tonight and was totally skunked. I decided to go through some of the finds that I still have from my first time around with a MD (1988-1990). Anyway, I found a broken clay button that I had kept all of these years. Any info is appreciated.

It was found at a known fur trading site that dates back to the late 1700's but had a fair amount of use up to the day it was found. Had a hit and was digging something iron and this also came out of the dirt. Unfortunately, I did not keep unknown iron "what is its" at that time.

Thanks,
Doug

 

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[Bigcypresshunter]

I dont know if this is of any help but this link describes a fired clay button (Prosser)and buttons made of other materials and their datelines. http://www.anthro.utah.edu/IMACs/475-Buttons.pdf

 

[turtlefoot13]

Hey Big Cy,

Thanks for the link. I have some reading and research to do on this one. I did not know what prosser was. I saw the term on a couple of web sites.

Doug

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Hey Big Cy,

Thanks for the link. I have some reading and research to do on this one. I did not know what prosser was. I saw the term on a couple of web sites.

Doug

I am not familiar with prosser buttons but this is all I have. "Patented in 1849. this process is one combining high fired clays to produce a glass or vitrified appearance... (Spague 1983: 162-172)"

It doesnt look glass like but maybe because its old.

 

[turtlefoot13]

I'm guessing that it is a home made button from the 1830's-1850's. This was found at a known fur/Indian trading location that was close to native clay, which was used for other known/found items. I do know that there is a "working homestead" tourist place within 20 or so minutes from this park so I was afraid that it might be some sort of gift shop item. I have looked for similar items in most of the tourist stops and found nothing; plus it was dug, which is hopefully a good sign.

I am going to have to see if I can find a button book that has someting on clay buttons.

Doug

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

It looks like that Mexican tile.