Found an interesting button today

[quackertracker]

Not sure if it’s supposed to be a fence or someone didn’t know how to write the Roman Numeral IV. Anyone ever seen a button like this. I found it in southern Rhode Island.

 

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[villagenut]

might be half of a cufflink

 

[Red-Coat]

I don't know if it's meant to be a Roman numeral four or not, but until the 17th Century, it was most commonly written as 'IIII' not 'IV'. Thereafter, many people continued to use it in the original Roman form, particularly on gravestones, architecture, clocks and watches.

Companies such as Cartier still use it today on watches, judging it to give a better visual balance.

 

[oldmxrat]

Or just a design...

 

[Silvermonkey]

I'd agree with villagenut....looks like half of a colonial era cufflink. Nice find.

 

[CRUSADER]

I'd agree with villagenut....looks like half of a colonial era cufflink. Nice find.

Pretty sure its bigger than the typical cuff-link you quoting.

I've had many octagonal buttons but all plain & mostly tombac.

 

[Underwonder]

I've not seen any like this (yet) in northern RI! Nice find.