Button Help

[pjroo33]

This is a flat button that I dug yesterday and I'm trying to get a date or more info. The back says Double Gilt Best Quality.

 

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[pjroo33]

By the way... The button was found on the lot of an 18th century home if that has any bearing.

 

[Felinepeachy]

I think it's a colonial era flat button.

 

[pjroo33]

Would this button benefit from a hot peroxide bath or electrolysis? I'm always a little hesitant with cleaning my finds.

 

[Felinepeachy]

Well that would be a question for Don in SJ. He is the king of peroxide. Everytime he tells me what the outcome will probably be, he has always been correct. I'm sure others would know as well that have more experience with it. Something someone just told me about, is a product called Aluminum Jelly. I tried it and so far I have had good results. Just smear it on, leave for 5 or so minutes and the brush off under warm water. It helps a lot. It's a nice button either way.

 

[pjroo33]

Well that would be a question for Don in SJ. He is the king of peroxide. Everytime he tells me what the outcome will probably be, he has always been correct. I'm sure others would know as well that have more experience with it. Something someone just told me about, is a product called Aluminum Jelly. I tried it and so far I have had good results. Just smear it on, leave for 5 or so minutes and the brush off under warm water. It helps a lot. It's a nice button either way.

I'll look into the aluminum jelly. I don't think peroxide would hut, but i'll wait and get a reply on that. I know nothing about buttons but I know a lot on this site do. Seems like the only buttons I find are flat.

 

[Don in SJ]

I have not used aluminum jelly, but have used lemon juice many times on buttons with a bunch of gilt left. However, I am fairly certain the relic hunters who advoacte Aluminum jelly do not use it on buttons without a lot of gilt being exposed. I believe it is not too kind to just the normal brass/copper button.
So, either try Peroxide or go slower with warm water soak, and cotton swaps to try and removed encrustations. I cannot tell from the photo how it would end up, I have so many of those types I would not be too concerned about the outcome. Sometimes removing the encrustation exposes how badly corroded it is underneath and the detail was only there due to the encrustation, but it is up to you. You can also just dry brush it alot with an old toothbrush and let it be. Your button, your choice.

I believe buttons with backmarks like that are no earlier than early 1800's up into the 1830's.

Don

 

[pjroo33]

I have not used aluminum jelly, but have used lemon juice many times on buttons with a bunch of gilt left. However, I am fairly certain the relic hunters who advoacte Aluminum jelly do not use it on buttons without a lot of gilt being exposed. I believe it is not too kind to just the normal brass/copper button.
So, either try Peroxide or go slower with warm water soak, and cotton swaps to try and removed encrustations. I cannot tell from the photo how it would end up, I have so many of those types I would not be too concerned about the outcome. Sometimes removing the encrustation exposes how badly corroded it is underneath and the detail was only there due to the encrustation, but it is up to you. You can also just dry brush it alot with an old toothbrush and let it be. Your button, your choice.

I believe buttons with backmarks like that are no earlier than early 1800's up into the 1830's.

Don

Thanks... I think I might just try the peroxide since it has no value. Worth a shot.