help needed

[captain redbeard]

Anyone able to identify this button and copper piece? button has no markings. Copper piece looks like it is shaped as some kind of ornamental piece, not sure. Found both in same area of field I was detecting. Thank you.

 

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[Ant]

It looks like it was turned on a lathe, see the evidence? The copper item reminds me of a piece of decorative indoor stove pipe flashing.

 

[captain redbeard]

So are you saying it isn't a button at all? or are you saying its a spun back button? I don't know where you are going with the lathe idea.

 

[Ant]

I'm not a button expert but the lines are indicative of being tuened (spun) on a lathe. That could be a method that was used make flat buttons in the 1700's. I don't know, I was just pointing that out. I don't think it is that old or a button, I'm judging by the rusted shank and the way that it is affixed to the disc. What is the diameter? The button guys or girls will chime in.

 

[Ant]

 

[Goldiver]

This is a Tombac button common from the 1700's into the early 1800's. Made of zinc and copper, some also used arsenic in the mix. They are often dug in nice condition due to corrosion resistance. They were cast then finished on a lathe.

Steve

 

[Ant]

And these cuts on this item are indicative of it being scrap cut with sheetmetal shears, see?

 

[Backwoodsbob]

What if that button was dipped adding a layer at a time. Is there some kind of designs on the other piece?

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[Ant]

There ya go Goldiver ID your old button, CoNgRaTs on a great find.

 

[Ant]

I think he was refering to the shape left behind from cutting a circular shape with sheetmatel shears designed to cut straight lines.

 

[captain redbeard]

awesome, thank you.