button find

[Goldfinchs1]

Hey guys. I've been reading for a while, but this is my first post. I found this button, among many other things in my yard today. The area was a plantation for many years until Hurricane Hugo re-organized things. The button has an ornamental design on the back (looks like wheat?) and the word London. I cannot read the other word...but its not fog . The front looks to be flat with no design. The button is brass. Anyone ever see one of these? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[AMorgan]

It appears to be a one piece button from the mid to early 1800s. IT will most likely say something like "Treble gilt - London"

Alan

 

[Goldfinchs1]

Thanks,
Whats the best way to clean it up? I have gathered that wire brushes are a "no-no"

 

[JC dig's]

Nice button If it were me I would try a little peroxide(watch it very closely) other than that I would'nt fool with it to much

 

[AMorgan]

Soak it in olive oil for a few weeks. This method is safe for one piece buttons, but not for two piece buttons.

Use a toothpick to gently remove any corrosion after the soaking.

Alan

 

[Goldfinchs1]

Now that you've told me about gilt...that's exactly what it says, but its missing the treble. It simply says Gilt London with a crown at the top and an ornamental wheat pattern. Does this provide any more of a clue to its date or origin? Would it have been worn on a military uniform or civilian clothes?
Thanks.

 

[AMorgan]

Treble just meant that gold was applied three times. This was before electroplating was invented so if it only says gilt, that probably means that only one layer of gold leaf was burnished to the button during manufacture.

If there is no design on the front, then this was most likely civilian issue.

Note: where there are flat buttons, there are other nice goodies remaining to be found...

Alan

 

[lonewolfe]

Cool find

HH