Dug today near the University of Alabama. Also a question.....

[NomadRT]

I'm pretty new to detecting, but knowing the history and based on the reactions around me I think this is a pretty big find. It's dirty but in great shape. I'm afraid to clean it honestly, being relatively new to the hobby. Are there any companies or services or something that could clean it up and preserve it for me?

 

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[Professor of Engineering]

Nice find!

 

[Tom Bigbee]

It looks like a very old button but I can't tell if it's the size of a dime or half dollar. Always take a pic of the back and give the size. There is a forum on here all about cleaning and preserving artifacts and most likely they will tell you to use naval jelly if it is a button. They will tell you how to use it. Very good find.

 

[NomadRT]

It's an Alabama Corps of Cadets button. I think I'm going to trust the cleaning to someone that knows what they are doing rather than doing it myself.

 

[ironhorse]

I don't think you could 'damage' the button by cleaning it yourself , unless done wrong. The ground did enough damage for you; it's up to you to make it better for your own satisfaction.
A little lemon juice and an old toothbrush would do wonders for it and not cost anything.
Your button, your call is what it boils down to, I'm just giving you the option I'd use.