Early 19th Century Fancy Pewter Button

[steelheadwill]

Hi All,
Dug this a while back, was advised the design may be a Coat of arms or Family crest,
Anyone know of any sites that have any info on these?
Any info or leads are appreciated! HH to Everyone

 

[DCMatt]

Re: Large Pewter Button, Family Crest

Anything on the back? I don't get the impression that it represents a coat of arms. It just looks like a fancy button to me.

DCMatt

 

[steelheadwill]

Re: Large Pewter Button, Family Crest

Anything on the back? I don't get the impression that it represents a coat of arms. It just looks like a fancy button to me.

DCMatt

Hi Matt,
My first impression also.
was advised to look into Crests by someone who viewed the button.
thanks

 

[DirtDigler]

Re: Large Pewter Button, Family Crest

Doesn't look like any of the heraldic symbols I've seen before. Looks more decorative than heraldic. Here's a link to some basic information concerning coats of arms. Hope it helps you. Nice and interesting find.

http://www.fleurdelis.com/coatofarms.htm

 

[steelheadwill]

Re: Large Pewter Button, Family Crest

Doesn't look like any of the heraldic symbols I've seen before. Looks more decorative than heraldic. Here's a link to some basic information concerning coats of arms. Hope it helps you. Nice and interesting find.

http://www.fleurdelis.com/coatofarms.htm

Thanks DirtDigler! that site was just what I was looking for
As said, figured it was "just" a decorative,
The exceptional thing about it is the size, I have not recovered any 18th century lead buttons other than small versions, has anyone else recovered Largies like this

 

[CRUSADER]

Re: Large Pewter Button, Family Crest

Doesn't look like any of the heraldic symbols I've seen before. Looks more decorative than heraldic. Here's a link to some basic information concerning coats of arms. Hope it helps you. Nice and interesting find.

http://www.fleurdelis.com/coatofarms.htm

Thanks DirtDigler! that site was just what I was looking for
As said, figured it was "just" a decorative,
The exceptional thing about it is the size, I have not recovered any 18th century lead buttons other than small versions, has anyone else recovered Largies like this

Firstly I agree its just a fancy button, it doesn't look pewter & would be a very rare raised work design if it were (pretty sure its not, as I've seen no parallel). Doesn't look big in the hand & probably its early 1800s, but maybe much later, so need to see the reverse?

 

[DirtDigler]

Re: Large Pewter Button, Family Crest

Unless you have hands like Andre the Giant, I'm guessing it's approximately an inch in diameter. I have found buttons larger than 2" in diameter. So yes, they're not uncommon. If you hunt the same area again, you might find more of the same. Good luck!

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Re: Large Pewter Button, Family Crest

Whats the back look like? Is it a cast shank?

 

[steelheadwill]

Re: Large Pewter Button, Family Crest

Thanks Everyone,
The button was returned to my sisters farm where it was dug, will post a pic of the back shortly,
It has the remains of a cast shank, and is probably between 1.25-1.5" .
I'm fairly certain it is pewter, have dug many lead and pewter buttons, none of this size.
DirtDigler, regarding the large buttons, are you referring to pewter/lead buttons?, I'm familiar with large brass buttons .
Will retrieve the item today & post some more pics & info shortly
Great digs to all!

 

[steelheadwill]

Re: Large Pewter Button, Family Crest

Greetings,
I have not gotten back to the farm yet, so I don't have an exact measurement yet,
but here is a photo of the back that I had in my files.
From its tone, readings, blistered & flaking edges, I'm pretty sure it's a pewter alloy.
Thanks to all for your input

 

[CRUSADER]

Re: Large Pewter Button, Family Crest

Greetings,
I have not gotten back to the farm yet, so I don't have an exact measurement yet,
but here is a photo of the back that I had in my files.
From its tone, readings, blistered & flaking edges, I'm pretty sure it's a pewter alloy.
Thanks to all for your input

Looking at the back, your right, the colour throw me. Size is not an issue, plenty of bigger examples of pewter ones out there (but mostly military & not like this). I have had many copper-alloy of a similar design, none in pewter. I think its early to mid 19th C, as it would be an unusual 18th C example

 

[steelheadwill]

Re: Large Pewter Button, Family Crest

Greetings,
I have not gotten back to the farm yet, so I don't have an exact measurement yet,
but here is a photo of the back that I had in my files.
From its tone, readings, blistered & flaking edges, I'm pretty sure it's a pewter alloy.
Thanks to all for your input

Looking at the back, your right, the colour throw me. Size is not an issue, plenty of bigger examples of pewter ones out there (but mostly military & not like this). I have had many copper-alloy of a similar design, none in pewter. I think its early to mid 19th C, as it would be an unusual 18th C example

Thanks Crusader,
Am glad to know some more about this piece. Early 19th Century is good
Love the button.
I enjoy finding these Items at my Sisters place, several finds have come from a small area by her driveway, and I dug a 1694 W&M copper under a stone wall behind her house.
All the lead & pewter buttons I've recovered before this were 1/2-3/4" with simple or no design. (below)
Except as you mention, and I now remember, Military, I got a large 1772 60th Reg.
My photos often come out with off colors, I'm running an old Canon EOS20d, the flash doesn't function, I use a halogen lamp
I've tried correcting color in photoshop, usually makes it worse.
Best digs to you