Help dating button w/ undocumented backmark

[igloo777]

I recently found this brass button backmarked with what appears to be "I CARTER JR * NEW YORK". I can't find a single mention of a button maker with that name online, and nothing in the few books that I referenced. I checked NY city directories from the nineteenth century and found an Isaac Carter listed as a shoemaker in 1845 and Isaac M. Carter listed as a manufacturer in 1864, but I have no idea if they are the I. Carter that I'm looking for. I wasn't able to find any other I. Carters listed throughout the nineteenth century. To me, the button style appears to be an Omega type ca. 1800-1830.

Does anyone have any information about I. CARTER JR.? I would love to get a period of manufacture.

Thanks!

 

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[vpnavy]

1st - I noticed this was your very first post - so, Welcome Aboard cor3y7! You didn't list your state (or country) in your profile. So, you might consider jumping over to Sub-Forum: Select Your Area.... for information (i.e., clubs, hunts, finds, legends, maps, etc.) directly related to your state (or country). You might also consider adding your state (or country) to your displayed profile (SETTINGS -> EDIT PROFILE) - members may have more success helping you (your location may help, etc.)...

2nd - Until a member pipes in - I pulled these from other TN threads...

Dating buttons... (Feb 13, 2015)

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[ANTIQUARIAN]

Nice find Corey and great info provided by vpnavy... "I CARTER JR * NEW YORK" may be the retailer of the button.

Here's a reference website I often use when I find buttons here in Ontario, I have a feeling you button was likely made in the UK but retailed in the US.

https://www.ukdfd.co.uk/pages/buttonsgtom.html

Dave

 

[igloo777]

Thanks for the input, folks. It was found in the Lehigh Valley region of Penna. I had not considered that the backmark may be that of the retailer and not the manufacturer. Truth be told, I didn't know retailers would be marking buttons. I guess they would stamp their information into the button blank?

 

[fyrffytr1]

Many retailers ordered buttons with their name on the back from button making companies like Scovill and Waterbury just to name a few. The impressed backmark would date your button from around 1820 to the late 1830s. Could the first initial possibly be a "J"?. I found a J. Carter/ Lombard Street (London) that used buttons made from 1797-1802. So maybe your Carter was his son?

 

[igloo777]

Interesting. I'm pretty sure it's an I. Hard to tell, but with the correct lighting and a loupe is looks to be an I. Appreciate the input.