Colonial Patriotic button. Some 18th century copper coins and relics.

[Aureus]

The temperature in Quebec was unbearable in the last few weeks reaching 42 C ( 107 F) with humidity. This week it drastically fell so I finally manged to get out and check a new spot I was eager to explore as I suspected some early activity might have taken place in that wooded area. Haven't had much in the first few hours , just an occasional shot musket ball (still a good sign) until I started hearing some deep iron. Decided to concentrate on that area a bit more and all thou the finds weren't abundant pulled a few interesting ones.

First got some type of early wood working tool. Was hoping for an axe and worked really hard to get it out of the roots. Oh well..




A spill of George III halfpenny's. All from a small area so I guess lost at the same time.



A nice flower design pewter button. Strangely, it had an iron shank going right through.




And my favorite find of the day. A pewter button with the writing I AXE MY WAY. It was really hard to find any match online. The slogan itself seems to be associated with Connecticut. Albert mentions the button in his book (Record of American Uniform and Historical Buttons).







I have only seen two mentions of the larger variety from Albert's book. One being sold at icollector online auction in 2011

http://www.icollector.com/I-Axe-My-Way-Political-Uniform-Pewter-Button_i11029527

Unfortunately no records of mine. If someone has any additional info it would be greatly appreciated.


A nice little hunt. Glad to have been able to get out again.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Agony and Death on a Gold Rush Steamer: The Disastrous Sinking of the Side-Wheeler Yankee Blade - Grab it through Amazon!

[bonepicker]

Congrats on some nice finds, and a very rare and interesting button.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Family Maps of Hinds County, Mississippi, Deluxe Edition - Grab it through Amazon!

[pepperj]

It only takes one keeper to make the day's hunt and that button really did it. Liking it, congrats!

 

[against the wind]

Congrats on a couple of oldies.
Ever think about sifting??
Excellent spot

 

[Kurios1]

Just when you think you can't do better than a colonial copper spill you get the old "mystery" button. WOW! One heluva sight and hunt you had mate. Someone mentioned sifting the WHOLE place. LOL! I hope you can get another example of your AXE button and some more details. Much success on your return trips.

 

[Gridwalker306]

Congrats on some excellent finds. That is a very interesting and awesome button!

 

[Aureus]

Something very different! Proof you never know what that next target will be.

Yes, it is. I'm wondering how it ended up in Canada. Could have been brought by settlers I guess. Really hoping someone will reply with an other example.

 

[Aureus]

Don't think I've ever seen one of those posted here (or anywhere).
Killer find, and in fantastic condition.
Can't wait for more people to chime in, that one has a story to tell.
Kudos!
Carl

Thank you.

Same here. If the button existed in Albert's book someone must have an other example somewhere.

 

[Aureus]

Very kool button. Never seen one. Congrats..... Hogge

Thank you.

 

[OtakuDude]

That's a fantastically rare button. I have to wonder what's behind the meaning of the phrase "I Axe My Way" though. That could be interesting.

 

[Patriot Relics]

Certainly a unique pewter, fantastic group of digs Aureus

 

[scruggs]

Nice button!

 

[Aureus]

May I axe you a question? Great finds man

Thank you.

 

[Aureus]

NICE FINDS

Thank you.

 

[Aureus]

Congrats on some nice finds, and a very rare and interesting button.

Thank you. I sure hope to find more info on it.

 

[Aureus]

It only takes one keeper to make the day's hunt and that button really did it. Liking it, congrats!

It sure does. The three half pennies would still make for a great hunt but that button made it even more special.

 

[Aureus]

Congrats on a couple of oldies.
Ever think about sifting??
Excellent spot

Thank you, the spot sure looks promising. I'll try to have a hunt there again this season.

 

[Aureus]

Just when you think you can't do better than a colonial copper spill you get the old "mystery" button. WOW! One heluva sight and hunt you had mate. Someone mentioned sifting the WHOLE place. LOL! I hope you can get another example of your AXE button and some more details. Much success on your return trips.

Thank you! I'll do my best. Good luck on your hunts.

 

[Aureus]

Congrats on some excellent finds. That is a very interesting and awesome button!

Thank you.

 

[Z.K.]

Congrats, Anton, this is an incredible piece of history.

Folks, this is a serious find, and appears to be ULTRA RARE. Like, may be one of two in existence.

It's going to take a bit more research to see if it can be pinned down any further, but we've got a button that appears in one of the definitive reference materials yet doesn't show up elsewhere in searchable museum holdings or auction records. A larger cousin of this button has just a couple of examples on record...including the link posted to the one which sold for $1,200 six years ago. And the phrase does seem to be a derivative of "I cut my way through," found on fantastically rare and valuable Higley Coppers

http://www.coinweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/higleyxpleasend.jpg


Looks like A. Albert (the author of the reference book) died in 1983, otherwise I would have emailed him : ) I've put a bit of time into this today and haven't found anything more, so hoping some others can chime in.


As it stands it is a banner worthy find. But the mystery still deserves to be solved...

 

[Aureus]

That's a fantastically rare button. I have to wonder what's behind the meaning of the phrase "I Axe My Way" though. That could be interesting.

Thank you. I believe it's a mystery at this moment but it does look like a motto from a Connecticut copper.