✅ SOLVED Two Mysteries from The Old Farm House

[36coupe]

Possibly a brass pin with the word PATENT on it. Back area of pin quite rusted. No company or date so not too sure how this possible pin was used. Then the cuff button-am aware of the significance of PRO BONO PUBLICO but why on the button. Am aware of the 1863 Civil War token. Button looks late 1800's?? Thank you for your insight here.

 

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[Breezie]

I don't think it is a piece of jewelry. Perhaps if you could clean it more, we could get a better look.

Interesting find
Breezie

 

[BagLady]

awfully fancy writing for the word patent.

 

[CRUSADER]

Yes, the 4 holed button is probably late 19th C, could run into the 20th

 

[NHBandit]

I'm seeing a Canadian coin ? Not a Civil War token

 

[Breezie]

I think your 'Patent' piece is a turn-of-the-century nameplate that went on an item like a wood burning stove, file cabinet, drawer or the likes. Back during that time, 'fancy' script was very popular as well as advertising the fact the item had a 'patent.' Below is a pic of a similar nameplate.




Breezie

 

[Carolina Tom]

It is curved, correct? Across the face, so as not to be a printing plate, correct.

I am wanting it to be an old printing plate, used for "patented" medicine bottle labels... but I swear I'm braking up the wrong tree.

 

[cudamark]

If it were a printing plate, the letters would be backwards.

 

[36coupe]

Yes finds are from a Canadian farm house. The coin is a 5 cent Canadian nickel from 1961.

 

[36coupe]

Breezie, I think you have solved the mystery!! Big thanks. I have the button solved too as a similar button was also dug on the property same size and back mark style with the letters PRATT and WATKINS. This is a button late 1800's from the Pratt and Watkins Dry Goods store on James Street North in Hamilton Ontario. This pro bono button must also be from that store.