1834 CONGRESSIONAL Button/ SABER HILT!

Patriot Relics

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Feb 6, 2014
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Hey guys,

I've been waiting for the tides to be right to investigate a new section of coastline that had produced War of 1812 relics a few months back. The site is remote and only accessible by kayak so I was certain the SC mud had to be hiding a few more relics. After dragging the yak down a steep ravine, I loaded up my gear and paddled a few miles to the landing...against the tide. Arrived at the site and with a deep breath I stepped off the yak...luckily did not sink to my knees in pluff mud :laughing7: Went to work with the CTX and almost immediately dug a nice flat button with "TREBLE GILD COLOUR".

temble back.jpg 2.jpg 3.jpg

As I continued working the site I did recover a few fired musket rounds along with a curious hexagonal round. Research would reveal it to be a rare Whitworth bullet- The Confederate government, purchased a limited number of Whitworth rifles during the Civil War. These weapons were given to the very best marksmen in the Confederate Army. This select group of men were referred to as Whitworth Sharpshooters, thus were born the first modern sniper units.

whit.jpeg

The best relics came late in the day as the tide began to run be back toward the high shore line. In a small area I recovered a white metal flat button, brass with no benchmark, and a nice pipe bowl.

1.jpg

My last 2 find were by far the best. When the first popped out of the ground I didn't think much of it- a 3 inch piece of rounded of brass. Hadn't dug a lot of targets so I through it in the bag. While holding it, I realized it was a saber hilt!

sword 1.jpg sword 2.jpg sword 3.jpg

Nearby I dug another flat button, added it to the other and continued on without much other success. The surprise came while I began cleaning the buttons and I noticed a curious benchmark..."E PLURBUS UNUM" with 13 stars around the shank. I knew it had to be something special! Credit to Gheenoe78 with the ID- a rare 1834 CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN button- 106B in Albert's book.

eagle back.jpg e1.jpg e2.jpg IMG_20150915_214113134.jpg IMG952015091595214218464.jpg

Can't believe the condition on these buttons recovered in saltwater, another great hunt in the books. Thanks for looking and enjoy the pictures
 

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gheenoe78

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Nice finds bud! Crazy variety. Congrats. That political button and saber hilt are schweet.
 

Gridwalker306

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Woo, that button is extra cool. Great finds Jon
 

46Wheat

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That campaign button is very nice
 

Carolina Tom

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Very well done. A wide variety of nice relics. Congrats!
 

HomeGuardDan

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Love the E Pluribus Unum Button. I have only dug one of those over the years. As for the sabre hilt...are you sure it is not the tip to a parasol?

Dan
 

Glenn C

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Nice hunt. Looks like a fun place to hunt. Hitting a simular site in the morning :). Whats the name of the book of buttons you have if you dont mind me asking. I have several id like to look up..cheers
 

terpfan

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Another day of terrific finds, I always look forward to your posts. I'd have to agree with Dan, though, and am not sure about the saber hilt. It looks a little short in comparison with your hand, and the shape does not look right. Maybe it is a parasol tip. Either way its a great recovery.
 

Steve in PA

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Congrats on the nice hunt. I dug one of the E Pluribus Unum buttons many years ago when I first started and had lees than fifty flat buttons under my belt. I have dug hundreds of flat buttons since, but not another one of those. I'm not an expert, but I too question the sword hilt. The conical shape doesn't look right for a sword hilt.
 

Vino

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Great hunt Jon,
Big congrats on the button.
And I do love the pipe bowl.
I sure hope thats a hilt.
George
 

OP
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Patriot Relics

Patriot Relics

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Feb 6, 2014
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Nice hunt. Looks like a fun place to hunt. Hitting a simular site in the morning :). Whats the name of the book of buttons you have if you dont mind me asking. I have several id like to look up..cheers

The site is challenging, but worth the effort. The reference pictures are from Albert's Record of American and Historical buttons.
 

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Patriot Relics

Patriot Relics

Silver Member
Feb 6, 2014
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Lowcountry, South Carolina / Richmond, Virginia
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Congrats on the nice hunt. I dug one of the E Pluribus Unum buttons many years ago when I first started and had lees than fifty flat buttons under my belt. I have dug hundreds of flat buttons since, but not another one of those. I'm not an expert, but I too question the sword hilt. The conical shape doesn't look right for a sword hilt.

Hey Steve, I had my reservations as well but couldn't find an exact match. Not a parasol handle due to the flared rim. Thought it might be a springfield scabbard???
 

Steve in PA

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Hey Steve, I had my reservations as well but couldn't find an exact match. Not a parasol handle due to the flared rim. Thought it might be a springfield scabbard???
Looks like it could be some type of decorative finial, possibly off a brass bed or lamp.
 

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