Before and after cleaning pics of Sanddiggers early navy button

[Bill D. (VA)]

Before and after cleaning pics of Sanddigger's early navy button

Ina posted this yesterday, and asked if I could attempt cleaning it for her. I was a bit hesitant, but in her initial pic it looked like there might be a hint of gilt especially on the rim so we agreed to give it a shot. I used a little aluminum jelly on the rim first and washed it off quickly (after about 15 seconds) as I usually do to see how the button is responding. It looked like it was bringing out the gilt a bit so we continued with several more short cleanings. We both noticed a tiny glint of gilt on the face of the button as well, and decided to go for that too. Surprisingly the anchor and rope slowly became more visible, and in the end we had a much improved looking button. After I took the pic I put a nice coat of renaissance wax on it to keep it from drying out. We still haven't been able to specifically ID it, although its very likely British from the 1790-1820 era. And I've never seen one like this where the oval lined rim was recessed, and the face in high relief. Maybe that will help to better ID it. So please chime in if you can help with that. Thanks, and great find Ina!!

 

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[VB Sanddigger]

Thanks Bill - You did a great job bringing out the gold gilt.

 

[Steve in PA]

That's a nice early Navy. Nice find Ina!

 

[Iron Patch]

Think that might be a snake/serpent and not rope, making it a Surgeon at Sea button. I know the construction of the button is correct.

 

[johnnyblaze]

Looks like an early one

Nice find and cleaning job..

Blaze..

 

[Gunrunner61]

An Awesome find,and good job on cleaning it up Bill....HH