My First Flat Button

[ripvanb]

Any ideas on the date? There seems to be a makers mark on the back. I have read a lot of great stuff on here about cleaning buttons but still have a question. The button seems to be flaking, is that just dirt or part of the button coming off? Should I clean it? Thanks for looking.

 

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[digging440yrs]

Dawn dish soap and tooth brush I would use, then we could read the back mark--

 

[vpnavy]

I noticed this is your very first post - so, Welcome Aboard Ripvanb! Take a look at Sub-Forums: Connecticut for information (i.e., clubs, etc.) directly related to your state.

 

[ripvanb]

Here are updated photos after I cleaned the button a little.

 

[nhbenz]

Flat buttons with a raised mark (like this) tend to be earlier than those with an impressed mark. It could be as early as the 1790's, or into the early 1800's. I would speculate that the flaking is the gold gilt coming off, as the button should remain pretty solid underneath.
Welcome to TreasureNet!

 

[Ripcon]

The Double Gilt backmark denotes the amount of gold wash that coated the button. These were made in Great Britain and sent to the American market. Congrats on your first flat button.

 

[digging440yrs]

Now rub a light coat of oil on it to preserve it--

 

[Joe hunter]

That's a real good first flat button. Congratulations

 

[relic lover]

Nice piece of History your button travelled over the ocean on a sailing ship in the 17 hundreds probably only two windup being lost in that spot you found it when you're great grandpappy wasn't even born yet. And now here we are reflecting on that fact what a great Hobby

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[ripvanb]

Thanks for all the great info!

 

[trapperart]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the nice button