Bunker Hill (area), Dutch Republic Button (Revolutionary War or Reenactor)?

[RetiredMarine]

Good morning,

Several weeks ago, my son found a revolutionary war button in a backyard near Bunker Hill in Boston (washout from an old oak tree). Based on my research, I appears as though the button dates to the Dutch Republic era (1600's-1700's). The Dutch (per my research) participated in battles on the colonial side during the war (so there is a connection). It appears as though the button may have been gold plated at one time due to the gold color in some of the contours of the button. The shank on the back is "rusty", so it makes me believe that this is not period, as the backing would have rusted away after 250 years (might have been protected by the tree/roots). I'm not experienced in revolutionary war dug relics (WWII collector), so your expertise would be greatly appreciated. Pictures below. Thank you.

S/F

RetiredMarine

 

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[invent4hir]

RetireMarine, welcome to TNet and from one vet to another, thank you very much for your service. I'm no button expert. The reverse side looks like a 2-piece button - which I think dates it to the 1830s or later. Other TNetters will chim in and give you more info. Have a good 4th of July.

 

[invent4hir]

Damn, forgot to mention you may want to move this thread to the "What Is It" sub-forum as you might get more input. Also, be sure to update the description with the diameter.

 

[CRUSADER]

Welcome to Tnet.

Doesn't look period to me, looks more like a 20th C blazer button. But I'll let others do the digging.

 

[ajaj]

I could be wrong, but the button looks to be early 20th century civilian.

aj

 

[ArfieBoy]

Not a button guy, so no idea. Good luck on getting a solid I.D. on your button!

 

[Red-Coat]

Welcome to Tnet.

Can you read what it says below the armorial shield? The design does appear to be the Netherlands coat of arms (government style) although that in itself doesn't indicate any official use since many civilian blazer buttons used the design too. The motto for those arms would be "JE MAINTIENDRAI" but that doesn't look like what yours says. All I can make out are what look like the letters "VIE" (?) reading from the centre

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

As Invent4hir indicated, being an iron-back 2-piece button excludes it from being a Revolutionary War era button. IMHO, it is a mid-20th-Century civilian "Fashion" button.

 

[CASPER-2]

20th century coat button - like others said

 

[RetiredMarine]

Good afternoon everyone,

Thank you all for your responses. It was too good to be true! What a great group of experts. Happy 4th and good luck hunting!

SF

RetiredMarine

 

[Hunk-a-lead]

nice find and welcome aboard