... with my metal detector over the weekend.

Here’s a description of the button:

The button is 1.2" in dia. The ornamental side has quite a bit of detail, and is convex (recessed in, about 0.1"), while the side with the hook is somewhat corroded. This seems to indicate a two-piece construction.

The ornamental side looks like a coin. In fact, it may be; I’ve heard of coins being used to make buttons (though I showed it to a co-worker, and he doesn't think it is a coin). It is in pretty good shape, and all the detail seems to be intact. The ground has turned it black (copper, maybe?). It has an ornamented outer-edge border. The words "TYROL ANNO DOMINI 1809" is encircled around the coin (just inside the ornamented border). There is another ornamented ring at approx. 0.67" dia, , then (at the coin’s center) is a very detailed picture of something - a bird spreading its wings, perhaps? I’m not sure.

I believe "TYROL" is the name of an Austrian state and/or a Swiss city. Could this be the origin? I would scan it, but I doubt it would work. Though the detail is quite good, it really needs to be wetted with water to be appreciated.

Here’s something else: along side the button I found the metal spring clasp. It’s made of spring wire.

Michael Craft Dayton, OH magcraft@erinet.com

• Re: found an old button Minuteman 19:30:56 7/21/98 (0)