Help needed w/ utensil and small button?

[dowster]

Greetings TNETers!

I dug these up in a small field behind our house in the Northern Neck of VA. I have a theory that there was a dwelling in this location long ago, but as far back as a 1917 survey there's no indication of one then (or since). I'm interested in what you all think about this (homesite theory) in addition to your more specific thoughts on the items in the photos.

The thing that looks like a bent utensil seems to be made of metal, is pretty thin, and has a simple design long the edges. The narrow end is broken off.

The other item I need help on is the small, thin, circular metal item. Button?

Any opinions on dating these items greatly appreciated! I dug the iron nails in the same area, as well as a fragment of what looks like old stoneware (gray on the side, dark tan on the unglazed bottom) I'm wondering how much time I should spend in this part of the property.

Thanks!

[worldtalker]

dowster,Appears to be a spoon or fork handle,and yes I would go over that area CAREFULLY!!God Bless Chris

[nova treasure]

With the flat button and the early flatware, your site probably dates back to at least 1840's. I would say by 1917 the dwelling had been removed from records. if you want to try and find it on a map, find one from 1800's, maybe 1877,1882 that may have it listed there. The pottery, square nails, buttons, flatware. Your definetly on a homesite or possible tavern, so keep on diggin.

Bill

[Dave44]

The reason I go all metal. When I start finding Square nails I like my spot. + a spoon handle, +a flat button, your chances increase greatly.

[lrgcent]

[TheCannonballGuy]

Because you did not recognize the flat-button and the eating-utensile handle for what they are, here's some additional info for you.

The vast majority of that specific type of brass flat-button was manufactured from the 1820s through 1840s.

The spoon-or-fork handle is brass, and was almost always plated with either silver or nickel-silver. The specific "form" of spoon-or-fork handle you found dates mostly (but not entirely) from the 1800s. Nickel-silver plating (which despite its name actually contains no silver at all) was rare before the 1870s. It quickly became very popular because it is much more resistant to wearing-off than silverplating, and also it is less expensive than silverplate.

[dowster]

Thanks for the responses, guys - they were very helpful and I'm going 'solved' based on your inputs. It is really quite fascinating to think that there could have been a homesite that old in 'just a backyard', leaving really no trace - except for a lonely clump of daffodils (the original clue that got me to buy a MD in the first place...) I know that my BH is not a top of the line MD, but hopefully in all metal mode it might sniff out some additional interesting stuff here.
Take care all and HH.
Dowster