✅ SOLVED Is this a tombac button?

[bobclouser]

Hi everyone. I found this item at a house that was occupied since 1800 in Groton, MA. It is
as clean as it is going to get. It is non-magnetic, so not iron. It has what looks like a loop on
one side that has been bent over and squashed. I cannot makeout any writing or ornamentations
on it. Or, is it an earring? Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Bob

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Diving for Pleasure and Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[Spats]

The best way to tell is by the color. I can't really tell the color by the photo. Is it greenish or grayish? Dug tombac buttons have more of a gray color due to the alloy used to make them.

 

[G.A.P.metal]

It`s a one piece gilt button as is a tombac but different base metals "nice find " probable had some gold glit at one time,but it`s not a tombac nor an earring .
Gary

 

[bobclouser]

The best way to tell is by the color. I can't really tell the color by the photo. Is it greenish or grayish? Dug tombac buttons have more of a gray color due to the alloy used to make them.

It's definitely not greenish. I'd say it's dark blackish brown. Not really gray either.

 

[bobclouser]

It`s a one piece gilt button as is a tombac but different base metals "nice find " probable had some gold glit at one time,but it`s not a tombac nor an earring .
Gary

Thanks! Any idea on the age? Since the house is from 1800, I'd say early 1800's?

 

[G.A.P.metal]

bob
I agree late 1700s -early 1800s....if there are no back marks makes it a little older.
Gary

 

[G.A.P.metal]

tombac buttons - Google Search
Bob take a look here !
Gary

 

[Silver Searcher]

No. one piece copper alloy button.

SS