Incredibly Rare Albemarle Military Institute Cadet button(AMI button)

[Gregg3131]

I was hunting a mid 1700s house site outside of Charlottesville VA where previously I had found some flat buttons but nothing all that great and quickly found a Richmond Lab bullet followed by what I thought was a typical CW period Virginia button which I would still be happy with. Thanks to a sharp eyed expert on Virginia buttons he identified this as an extremely rare sought after AMI button(Albemarle Military Institute Cadet button.) I have never seen one or heard of it before. Needless to say I was beyond excited about this. What a rush to recover such a rare piece of history. Unfortunately it’s not in the best of condition due to the red dirt but still a good one!!!

 

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[creskol]

I have been hunting Charlottesville and Albemarle County for decades, and have yet to find one of these buttons! Congratulations on a stellar find!

 

[civil_war22]

Isn’t there a guy somewhere up around there or PA that restores buttons?

 

[Gregg3131]

Yes great guy in VA who restores relics may need to have a look at this

 

[gobblesandgrunts]

What's one of those worth just curious? Be priceless if I found one but didnt know what it would bring

 

[civil_war22]

Yes great guy in VA who restores relics may need to have a look at this

I would. That button wouldn’t be hard at all do restore. If I had the time, it’s just a matter of cleaning it, heating it up to get the two piece portion off, clean the inside out, reheat, put back together for good, and then clean up the makers marks, and front and replate it.

 

[Gregg3131]

I have been hunting Charlottesville and Albemarle County for decades, and have yet to find one of these buttons! Congratulations on a stellar find!

Thanks Creskol they do seem super rare

 

[HIGHSTRUNG]

Outstanding! Congrats!

 

[civil_war22]

Thanks Creskol they do seem super rare

I’ve thought of having my Dragoon, and Artillery button redone, but to me it would be for sentimental value as those are worth far less than yours.

I have however thought of finding a jeweler or someone that could clean up, and possibly polish my banner find

 

[civilman1]

Incredibly rare is an understatement What a friggin' awesome save my man,do get it restored just for your collection if anything.Great Dig!!!!

 

[Digger RJ]

Very Nice!!! Congrats!!!

 

[Gregg3131]

Thanks everyone for the great comments

 

[Relicific]

Super duper find
Congrats

 

[Gregg3131]

What's one of those worth just curious? Be priceless if I found one but didnt know what it would bring

Not really sure on value

 

[gobblesandgrunts]

Not really sure on value

Ok was just curious

 

[A2coins]

Dang that looks ancient like a museum piece bet your happy. Well done. Tommy

 

[Gregg3131]

Thx Tommy

 

[lenmac65]

Nice save. Very interesting button. Congrats!

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Cool button, congrats!

 

[Gregg3131]

Found out the institute closed in 1859