Button help!

[1digger]

Found these and some flat buttons at an old mill house from the latter part of the 18th century. Strangely, the old coin I found was a 1918 wheatback. Some buckles and a broken copper measuring gauge. Any help on ID's appreciated!

 

[recondigger]

The button with the star design is outstanding I like that

Dig until your arm falls off

 

[BuckleBoy]

Nice early 1800s/late 1700s buttons. The broken piece with numbers is a part of the arm from a balance scale.

P.S. you might want to seal that pewter button to keep it from flaking away to nothing.


Best Wishes,

Buck

 

[Petrie502]

Definatly seal the button or it will flake

 

[vpnavy]

Nice finds 1digger.

 

[1digger]

Thanks guys! How do i seal the button? I soaked it in olive oil...

 

[BuckleBoy]

Thanks guys! How do i seal the button? I soaked it in olive oil...

I don't know that it'll work after olive oil. Please read my post in the cleaning and preservation section of the forum. It is titled "How to Clean Buttons."

I don't use olive oil in general, but it's very bad for pewter, since it can make the compromised metal even more soft. I seal my pewters with elmers glue mixed with a few drops of water and painted on the button.

clear urethane works well too, and that might have to be what you'd use, since Elmers is out now that oil has been applied.

And for those who don't think it's worth sealing buttons like this, think again. First, we have a Duty to preserve and care for what we find. Second, it's good practice for when you dig a Valuable pewter button like an interlocking "USA" or similar.

-Buck

 

[1digger]

Thanks Buckleboy -always enjoy your posts and appreciate the advice

 

[Wildcat1750]

Excellent finds, and yes, seal the pewter button. I've had success with clear, water based polyurethane.