An old flat button

[berkshiregold]

I found this button while hunting an old foundation. It's flat but looks like it may have had a covering on it. It's plain on the front and the back has what looks like an eagle with 10 little stars and the word BEST at the bottom. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[ivan salis]

best as in best "quality"-- it typical of very late 1700 thru 1820ish period flat buttons to have a "quality wording" --like best quality -- double gilt or treble gilt to puff up their image as being better that the other buttons on the market --with the "american eagle" it might have been american made --(britian made most of americas button up till the war of 1812 showed that it was unwize for americas to count on them to do so -- many american button makers got their start due to that fact.

 

[berkshiregold]

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't have a lot of time to search the foundation where I found the button. I thought it might be pretty old with a central fireplace. I'd say early 1800. Can't wait till spring to hunt somemore! Thanks again!!