Old Button

[mindcrime1988]

I found an old button metal detecting near my house but need help identifying it. I am stationed close to Bitburg, Germany so that may help in searching for the origin. The button is 2.6 cm (1 inch) in diameter and roughly 1 mm thick. The button is not flat so the thickness varies. Any guesses?

 

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[Montana Jim]

Looks like a cast metal, non-military, fashion button with a metal slab shank.

Most likely late Georgian through Edwardian (1830-1910) era... which includes of course the nouveau and arts & crafts period. It's possible it's newer... no real way to tell without studying the corrosion against other things you've found there with a known age.

Neat button - no doubt went missing when the shank broke.

I don't think you'll find out too much more than that... welcome to treasure net!

 

[Montana Jim]

Hey mindcrime1988, also, thank you for your service... what branch?

 

[aa battery]

girl scout ?

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Update: Montana Jim's reply was posted while I was typing my reply.

The button's "integral" stud shank shows it is a 1-piece solid-cast button. The very tiny details and "reeding" showing on its face indicate it the design was stamped onto its face after casting. (Thus, this type is called a "cast-and-stamped" button.") The majority of that type were produced between the late-1700s and 1850. But as Montana Jim mentions, some continued to be manufactured in later times, particularly as "Art Nouveau" Fashion buttons in what is commonly referred to as the Victorian Era (roughly 1850-1910).

That being said... in view of the extreme corrosion visible on your button, I would estimate that "the statistical odds" favor it having been manufactured sometime between 1750 and 1850. But as Montana Jim also mentioned, highly-acidic soil conditions can cause serious corrosion in less time.

 

[mindcrime1988]

Hey mindcrime1988, also, thank you for your service... what branch?

Thank you Montana Jim. I have been in the US Air Force for 18 years now and what a ride it has been!

 

[PROSPECTORMIKEL]

MINDCRIME, I CAN'T BE OF HELP ON THE BUTTON, BUT I DO WANT TO SAY

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, AND FOR THE SERVICE OF YOUR FAMILY. I KNOW THAT THEY SERVE WITH YOU.

STAY SAFE, AND FLY WITH GOD.

PROSPECTORMIKEL

 

[Montana Jim]

Hey mindcrime1988, also, thank you for your service... what branch?

Thank you Montana Jim. I have been in the US Air Force for 18 years now and what a ride it has been!

I was a 25 year AF guy... still with the Dept. of the AF as a civilian. Hang in there - you're almost done!

 

[CRUSADER]

Hard to be sure, but a circa 1780s seens about right, as the size/construction of it would indicate. (problem is the openwork is more fashionable in the late 19th C)

 

[DirtDigler]

Nice find! I think the punched openwork and delicate filagree is more common with the Art Noveau movement of the late 19th century. But the Baroque period often yields similar ornate patterns. If you'd found this in the US, I'd certainly say late 19th century. But I am thinking more that it's Baroque period and looks French, rather than German.

 

[Gunrunner61]

Mindcrime, I too want to say thank you for your service. God bless and keep you.

 

[mindcrime1988]

THANK YOU EVERYBODY FOR SUPPORTING THE MILITARY!!! I AM PROUD TO SERVE AS IS ALL OF THE OTHER SERVICE MEMBERS!!!

GLAD TO BE AMERICAN!!!