How old is this button?

[Merf]

I found this today and hope someone can give me an approximate age of this type button. It is 7/8 inch in diameter.
The back says Gilt Best Quality but no Mfg name. It is almost flat and the front is plain.
TIA Merf

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Agony and Death on a Gold Rush Steamer: The Disastrous Sinking of the Side-Wheeler Yankee Blade - Grab it through Amazon!

[goldencoin]

It dates to around the early 1800's from as far as I can tell

HH
-GC

 

[Merf]

It dates to around the early 1800's from as far as I can tell

HH
-GC

Thanks GC

 

[Montana Jim]

The "gilt" and "best quality" are not back marks, but considered quality marks. They were common from the late 1790s and for the next 100 years. The quality marks such as "treble gilt", "superior quality", and orange colour" along with many other variations were designed to give some indication to the buyer that the buttons were of the highest standard, triple plated, and of superior quality. It was kind of like the more modern "new & improved".

I seen some close to yours in design dating 1820s - 1840s.

I expect there is more information out there... maybe in a book.

That's a great looking button Merf!

 

[Merf]

The "gilt" and "best quality" are not back marks, but considered quality marks. They were common from the late 1790s and for the next 100 years. The quality marks such as "treble gilt", "superior quality", and orange colour" along with many other variations were designed to give some indication to the buyer that the buttons were of the highest standard, triple plated, and of superior quality. It was kind of like the more modern "new & improved".

I seen some close to yours in design dating 1820s - 1840s.

I expect there is more information out there... maybe in a book.

That's a great looking button Merf!

Thanks Jim and thanks for the info.---It is much appreciated.