Tombac button

[Mduece]

Found this button 2 days ago. I found it at my local school yard. When I found it it was in such good shape I thought it was something modern but in doing some research I'm now thinking it's a Tombac button. My research shows that Tombac buttons do go way back in history but I haven't found on any sites I've researched when they were stopped being made or if they are still in fact being made. Hoping it's old but at this point have no idea so would appreciate anyone's input. Heck I might be wrong about it even being a Tombac. Thanks for looking

 

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[FreeBirdTim]

Great find! I found my first tombac today and I think your button is one as well. The grooves on the back is how I figured out that mine was a tombac. The front of your button should feel very smooth to the touch. That's another feature of these buttons.

The only info I found on them was that they were made from around 1750 to about 1810 and that they are usually made from 80% copper and 20% zinc.

 

[Mduece]

Thanks freebird Your post on the one you found is what made me go back and look at the one I had found closer and investigate as like I said I thought it was something pretty modern at first. Appreciate your input

 

[beez0404]

Great looking old button. Hopefully one of the guys who are filled with knowledge will help you with an ID on your great find.

 

[Mduece]

Thanks beez I am still pretty surprised that it appears that it's actually pretty old considering how preserved it came out of the dirt. Thanks for looking

 

[Zodiacdiverdave]

That's a nice one for sure. Congrats.
ZDD

 

[CRUSADER]

Great find! I found my first tombac today and I think your button is one as well. The grooves on the back is how I figured out that mine was a tombac. The front of your button should feel very smooth to the touch. That's another feature of these buttons.

The only info I found on them was that they were made from around 1750 to about 1810 and that they are usually made from 80% copper and 20% zinc.

That date range seems about right, I thought they may have continued to 1830 at the latest, but I have no good sources to back this up.

 

[johnnyblaze]

Nice one man

Usually there will be more..Get back there.

Blaze

 

[BuckleBoy]

Roughly 1790s, give or take a few decades on either side. Nice to see an engraved one like that. Engraved ones are not that common.

 

[CRUSADER]

Roughly 1790s, give or take a few decades on either side. Nice to see an engraved one like that. Engraved ones are not that common.

Good point, in the UK you need about 50-80 blanks before you get a decorated one.

 

[Mduece]

Thanks everyone for looking and the info. Goes to show you never know. Here I was thinking I found something not all that special and it turned out to real old and cool.