A DREAM COME TRUE........ G.W. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[HEAVYMETALNUT]

Well Gary (foundation hunter) scooped me up this morning and headed to a new colonial cellar hole site. Right away we noticed relics piled on rocks and my hopes went down for me on this site as far as finding anything significant. I worked the old dirt driveway going up alongside cellar hole and my very first reading was a decent one at 2 inches. flipped the plug over and thought oh cool a cloaker or dandy button! flipped the button over in my hand and saw the oval in center and knew right away what i was holdin! I yelled "hey Gar! got a G.W.!" he was like yeah ok.... like i was pullin his leg
I never trembled holding any of my finds and i can honestly say this had me shaking.
1881 & 1897 IH's ,a 1927 merc and the buttons were all in the driveway area.
i bet whoever hit this spot before may be scowling big time right about now.
one of my best hunts ever!
Digging & holding a George Washington inaugural button from 1789 is just a feeling you can't describe!

 

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[dwayne sueno]

congrats on the banner, HMN!
hope to see you pull a coupla three more of those out of your site here soon.

 

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[Iron Patch]

That's incredibly awesome. But, is it me, or did you clean the patina right off that beauty?

He did, but I probably would have done the same to get the detail as crisp as it is. It would have been possible to get it decent even green, but not as good as it is now. That one I see as being just a personal preference whether to clean, and not a whole lot lost or gained either way.

 

[HEAVYMETALNUT]

That's incredibly awesome. But, is it me, or did you clean the patina right off that beauty?

He did, but I probably would have done the same to get the detail as crisp as it is. It would have been possible to get it decent even green, but not as good as it is now. That one I see as being just a personal preference whether to clean, and not a whole lot lost or gained either way.

there really was no patina just a blackish thin film under the dirt which you can still see traces of the black crust around GW.the only green that is on it is some corrosion around legend and near bottom at edge.i only used warm water and a little dish detergent and a gentle light brushing with a very soft toothbrush.i'm afraid to clean it anymore.most of my dandy's i put the super fine brass brush to em and they come out nice.
i'd really like to get all those little crusty pieces off .i'm so tempted to use my brass brush but very hesitant to do so.i know it would take all that crap off for sure. I mean it already has some porosity due to being in the ground for 230 years. i think using the brass brush and some soap would improve the overall appearence of the button and just would like some feedback from you members.

 

[HEAVYMETALNUT]

well i soaked it over night and used a toothpick to get off quite a bit more of the black crust. some of what's left of the gilt can be seen a little better now. not gonna play with it anymore.

 

[The Seeker]

Congrats on a great find......The George Washington button is the holygrail of relics for those who detect here in the US...I also found my first this past spring and i feel your pain....lolol Smile from ear to ear for days....I still enjoy looking at mine on occasion. Nice to see you made the banner!!!! Congrats once again............
John

 

[HEAVYMETALNUT]

Congrats on a great find......The George Washington button is the holygrail of relics for those who detect here in the US...I also found my first this past spring and i feel your pain....lolol Smile from ear to ear for days....I still enjoy looking at mine on occasion. Nice to see you made the banner!!!! Congrats once again............
John

thanks John! yeah an incredible feeling for sure.i know how you felt!

 

[Iron Patch]

Say thanks to the lord your moment of insanity has passed and you didn't use a brass brush on it. I was scared to scroll down!

Looking good in those last pics.

 

[timbobwey]

I can only imagine the stories that button could tell. You had one heck of a hunt there. Nice all around, It's seeing post like this that make me want to get out there soooo bad. It's so hot out, and dry around here. I can't wait till the weather cools off a bit.

 

[HEAVYMETALNUT]

Say thanks to the lord your moment of insanity has passed and you didn't use a brass brush on it. I was scared to scroll down!

Looking good in those last pics.

Thanks man. yeah i resisted the urge.ya think some naval jelly would do anything for it? or just leave it as is?

 

[Iron Patch]

Say thanks to the lord your moment of insanity has passed and you didn't use a brass brush on it. I was scared to scroll down!

Looking good in those last pics.

Thanks man. yeah i resisted the urge.ya think some naval jelly would do anything for it? or just leave it as is?

You're right down to the surface so I don't think I would play with that. But I don't like the jelly to begin with. I might have an idea for you that can sort of be eased into. Message with with your email and I'll shoot you back a little later with a couple of pictures and explanation.

 

[slykatt13]

big deal its only a g.w button in great shape with full shank...oh wait a g.w in great shape with full shank!!!! sweeeet...congrats on a sweet find.we all dream of finding one of those

 

[dfx willy]

dave i just got my computer back up. great button and i new you were going to get one i could just feel it. i found a old english script bridal rosette with a w on it that got me going at first. willy

 

[metalev4]

Congrats thats a beauty!!

Nice digging!

 

[RelicRick]

Hey,

Now that most of the crud is off, I'd recommend using a light coat of Renaissance curator's wax to protect the button. It will also make the letters "pop" more. When I had Stacks look at my buttons, they said be very careful about getting saliva anywhere near the buttons...it will destroy them! Again...great find! Congrats!

 

[Homerun04]

Congrats brother....CONGRATS....!!!

 

[melonhead74]

Man, what a piece of history!!!! Awesome!!! Congrats on such a wonderful find.... and in great shape too!

 

[HEAVYMETALNUT]

thanks everyone for all the incredibly awesomecomments.i just submitted my story and pics to Steve @ W&E treasures magazine for submission in the 2010 best finds issue.crossin my fingers

 

[70monte68]

Being new to this great hobby I can only dream to find a button like that. Maybe with a lot of research and a lot of luck I will someday. GREAT FIND!!!!!!
H H
Don

 

[Gaijun1]

Suuuuper Sweeeeeeeeeet

 

[chark21798]

Man o Man that is one SWEEEET button. Congrats #1 on my list too great finds HH Mark