Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet

[bookfisher]

Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet

Back to the woods today, no coins, but a few interesting things. The early US Navy button has a smooth front, with the shank applied over the eagle & shield on the back. I've never seen that before, all the other military buttons I've found have the shank on the back and the eagle on the front. Any info on this button would be greatly appreciated. Also found a silver plated pocket watch. It's made by Ingram and must of been pretty cheap since the crystal is plastic. Finally, I was wondering if anybody knows what caliber the bullet is and how old? Thanks.

 

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[karib2517]

Re: Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet

good collection there man very nice finds.

 

[Evolution]

Re: Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet

Nice button. I found one with an eagle on the back this year also. Not the same as yours, however. What kind of site were you hunting? Looks like some military campsite finds. The bullet doesn't look like its been fired, looks like a drop. Thats a good day in my book.

 

[Don in SJ]

Re: Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet

Have seen several found and posted over the years, circa 1820, Tice lists them as a Civilian button. Have heard a couple things on why , but let's just say, nice find and that is a keeper for sure.
Here is a photo of one of mine.

Don

 

[bookfisher]

Re: Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet

Nice button. I found one with an eagle on the back this year also. Not the same as yours, however. What kind of site were you hunting? Looks like some military campsite finds. The bullet doesn't look like its been fired, looks like a drop. Thats a good day in my book.

I've been hunting this area since last June, and found colonial coins, reales, large cents, and some 19th century American silver. The best American being an 1829 Capped Bust Half Dime. All of my best finds from this area have been posted here on TreasureNet since last year. I'm pretty sure there was no military activity on this site, since the area was once farmland, settled by one of the earliest Long Island families in the 1600s. Besides this navy button, three others of this age have been found, along with a War Of 1812 Light Artillery 1st Regiment button. I think the military buttons were probably hand me downs, but who knows.

 

[bookfisher]

Re: Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet

Have seen several found and posted over the years, circa 1820, Tice lists them as a Civilian button. Have heard a couple things on why , but let's just say, nice find and that is a keeper for sure.
Here is a photo of one of mine.

Don

Thanks Don, for the info. As always, much appreciated.

 

[tymcmurray]

Re: Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet

Very nice finds. Love the button.

 

[Montana Jim]

Re: Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet

Don is correct about the era... nice button!

United States Navy
1820-30's
1pc. cast brass, 20mm
Plain front, Eagle on a lined field, lined shield at side, anchor in shield on back of button

http://www.thetreasuredepot.com/cayenna/index.html

 

[birdman]

Re: Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet

Very nice!! Gota love this hobby!

 

[Rob66]

Re: Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet

Nice....
RD

 

[The Seeker]

Re: Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet

Very nice finds Bookfisher........Your still finding plenty of nice finds back in them woods.........here is a little keeper that I found at one of those old sites along a river. WTG

John

 

[CRUSADER]

Re: Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet

Have seen several found and posted over the years, circa 1820, Tice lists them as a Civilian button. Have heard a couple things on why , but let's just say, nice find and that is a keeper for sure.
Here is a photo of one of mine.

Don

The one you pictured must have meant to go on the back (although it seems a waste of effort), otherwise why does it have the words around it that only normally appear on the backs of those era buttons.

 

[kieser sousa/rip]

Re: Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet

Hello all,I've also found the same buttons (3) and was wondering about it myself. I also remember seeing one on a Garrett brochure.Also what would the value of such a button be ?

bookfisher, Sounds like an awesome spot and cool finds,pretty much describes a site that i have been searching.Wish they would hurry up and cut the corn already !

 

[Don in SJ]

Re: Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet

[/quote]

The one you pictured must have meant to go on the back (although it seems a waste of effort), otherwise why does it have the words around it that only normally appear on the backs of those era buttons.
[/quote]

Here is what is said in Tice's "Dating Buttons" book. The backmark depicting a U.S. navy device was probably used by English makers exporting to America.

Perhaps some manufacturers bought unused military buttons or dies and reused them for selling as a Civilian button..............Either way, they are not military in nature, but for civilian use as Tice has stated.

 

[weasel606]

Re: Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet

very nice finds looks like that watch held up pretty good through the years , congrats

 

[ModernMiner]

Re: Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet

Bookfisher,
Very nice unusual button. Congrats on your other finds also. Sounds like a great spot to MD.
-MM-

 

[CRUSADER]

Re: Unusual Early Navy Button, Silverplate Pocketwatch & Early Bullet


The one you pictured must have meant to go on the back (although it seems a waste of effort), otherwise why does it have the words around it that only normally appear on the backs of those era buttons.
[/quote]

Here is what is said in Tice's "Dating Buttons" book. The backmark depicting a U.S. navy device was probably used by English makers exporting to America.

Perhaps some manufacturers bought unused military buttons or dies and reused them for selling as a Civilian button..............Either way, they are not military in nature, but for civilian use as Tice has stated.
[/quote]

Yeah, makes sence not Military.

Maybe a Civvie who was in the Military wanting to feel at home without letting people know