"Best Gilt" button

[scdiver89]

Hey all, I will post a picture later tonight but for now I was hoping if anyone could shed some light on a button I found today. Its flat on the front with no apparent markings and the back has a wreath wrapping around the inside with the words "Best Gilt" inscribed in the top with a tiny star just below the two words and a tiny number 2 at the bottom just above the base of the wreath. Thanks for any help and happy hunting!

 

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[TheCannonballGuy]

Sounds like a brass 1-piece flatbutton, manufactured for use on civilian clothing, dating from approximately 1810 through the 1830s or a bit later. The older end of that date-range is based on you saying the writing is "inscribed," which means indented. Brass 1-piece flatbuttons with "raised" lettering can date from 10 to 15 years earlier. Need to see a well-focused closeup photo of the back in order to be able to narrow down the date-range any more than the above information.

 

[Breezie]

Even though you have not posted a pic, from your description it sounds like you've found a flat button. The marking of 'Best Gilt' is a 'quality mark.' As you may already know, these flat buttons were worn by civilians (and some of our Boys in Gray during the Civil War.) Your button was probably made in England circa early 1800's to 1830ish.

 

[Breezie]

Pete, this time you beat me by 2 minutes. You're the fast typer this time. Breezie

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

(Chuckle.) I doubt that I'm a faster typist than you. I use just two fingers, because I have to look down at the keyboard to find each letter. So, I probably started typing waaay sooner than you, but finished two minutes sooner.