✅ SOLVED Please help ID my first button

[pax_in_ma]

Hi,

New to the site. Got into the hobby this September. Got an entry level detector but am already dreaming of an AT Pro. Have been learning my detector on clad. Now getting interested in relics. Just found my first button. Was under a pine tree. Like the memorials and the wheatie I found nearby, it came out of the ground completely black. It is 3/4" in diameter. Did some research but still not clear about a few things:
- What's the difference between a flat button and a tombac?
- Which one is this one?
- Approximately, how old is it?
- What is the best way to clean it? It's my first one, would like to clean it "as new" if there is such a thing. So far I dipped it twice in olive oil and used a toothbrush. Looks like copper under the black crust. Don't want to ruin it so I'll wait for your expert advice before doing anything else to it.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Patrick

 

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[SkaBa]

Welcome to TNET.

Nice find. The button experts will chime in shortly.

 

[RelicMedic]

It looks to be a nice little plain flat button. There should be a backmark on it that will help date it. I would say 1820-1850, but I could be a little off.

 

[G.A.P.metal]

Try cleaning it with a toothpick...lightly rub it/will take away the crud but not hurt the button.
Flat or Gilt button ...might have had some gold plating on it.... made 1770s- late 1820s.
Oil is to preserve done after cleaning to stop further erosion of the metal piece.
Gary

 

[GaRebel1861]

Keep hunting that area. If you found that flat button then there's a chance for more and maybe a coin or two. Good luck and Merry Christmas.

 

[pax_in_ma]

It looks to be a nice little plain flat button. There should be a backmark on it that will help date it. I would say 1820-1850, but I could be a little off.

Used G.A.P. Metal's toothpick method. No marks anywhere on the button. Back is plain. Unless corrosion ate the markings away.

 

[RelicMedic]

If there is no backmark, then Gary is correct...again well done!

 

[CRUSADER]

If you say 1800 as a middle point for this one. Tombac's are flat buttons but they are a type of metal high in zinc. Most other flat buttons are copper-alloy & gilt or silver plated.

 

[coinman123]

No back mark brass gilded flat button would be from around the late 1700's to early 1800's.

Put it in boiling hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes, than dip it in olive oil to bring a little moisture back to it.