Button from the Potomac at Shepherdstown, WVA

[Steve L.]

Folks,
My son goes to school in Shepherdstown, WVA. He brought home an old button he eye-balled on the shoreline of the Potomac. Shepherdstown is the oldest town in WVA, if I'm not mistaken; and it saw a lot of Civil War activity, crossing point for both or General Lee's forays north in 1862 and 1863.
He wasn't sure if the button was old or not, I took one look and thought mid 1800's, maybe a bit earlier. When he brought it home it was awfully encrusted. I have been trying to break the gunk off, maybe too vigorously, so I've stopped and have it soaking in olive oil.
The button measures in at 24/32 inch or 19.05 millimeters.
Any thoughts on the age? It looks like a common, smooth-faced, slightly convex button. The back has traces of gilt and there are some back-marks I just can't make out.
Any thoughts on period or identification would be appreciated.
Most respectfully,
Steve

 

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[jamesbibb]

Looks to be a convex civillian button good eyeball find! ca Mid 1800s

 

[civilman1]

I agree,but who know's....the boy's had to use anything they had.I go through Sheperdstown all the time to Sharpsburg.Still a very early button

 

[Steve in PA]

Yes Shepherdstown is a great area to relic hunt. You can find colonial relics right up through the civil war. In fact a lot of stuff has been found in the waters of the Potomac there. I have found Rev War buttons and Civil War buttons in the Shepherdtown area. But this is neither....like James said it is a civilian button. I would date it 1820 to 1840.

 

[Steve L.]

James, Civilman, and Steve;
Thanks much for the comments!
My son Tom is staying up in Shepherdstown this summer and working an internship down at Harpers Ferry National Park. I think he and I will get together and work the shore line with our ACE 250's when the low-water times come on.
God bless you all and Happy Hunting!
Steve

 

[TN_MD]

Nice Button and Hopefully the shoreline will give up many great finds !!



Karl