BUTTON BEAUTY! How Old?

[timothyj]

hi just cleaned this 15 gram metal button totally covered in rust but cleaned up very well. it is the only button I have found at my s carolina farm site. anyone know the age? regards Tim

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Answering because you asked... your find is definitely a hem/dress/curtain/coat-tail weight. They've been in existence since at least the early-1800s and are still being manufactured (in the same shape) today. They were/are primarily manufactured for use in civilian clothing (mostly in Ladies' coat and "long" dress-skirts) and in window curtains.

 

[surf]

Howdy Timothy,

Welcome to Tnet. That is a coat-tail or hem weight.

Hem Weight from Muckton

 

[timothyj]

the cannonballGuy very interesting thank you! do you what the # 4 is on the button? for size?

 

[timothyj]

surf thank you for posting your button picture great to see a picture ! looks like mine!

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

Timothyj wrote:
> Do you [know] what the # 4 is on the button? for size?

Timothy, that number could be for size, or it could be the manufacturer's mold number. Molds had a number-mark so that if the manufacturer's Quality Control inspector found some flawed products, he would be able to easily know exactly which one of several molds at the factory was producing the flawed castings.

As you'd guess, a dress/hem/coat-tail weight's purpose is to keep the lower edge of the garment hanging straight down, and also keep it from flapping upward in the wind, preventing the wearer from experiencing "embarrassment."

 

[TiBorn]

I had one of those, I held onto forever cuz I thought it was something and it turns out it is. But now I don't know where it is. Good find tho.

 

[John Boy]

Great find.The ones I find always look a whole lot worse than that one.cool

 

[timothyj]

CannonballGuy, thank you for the great information!

 

[timothyj]

TiBorn, good luck finding yours!

 

[timothyj]

John Boy at first it was encrusted then cleaned up real good. many of the items I am finding like the iron plows are old but great shape. thanks for interest and good luck!