Eyeballed an old train button that my chickens dug up...but what is this?

[Spyderj]

I walked outside today and on the path to our chicken coop, I looked down and found this train button. I believe the chickens dug it up.

A while back, I was replacing a broken fence post and dug this up - it has a star on it and it is shaped like a key. It is very heavy and thick. 2" at the base, and about 3. 7/8" long and about 1/2 in thick. Looking for some help identifying this one.






Thanks!

 

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[highnam]

I found that exact button in a 1912 railroad logging camp. Great find!

 

[Spyderj]

I found that exact button in a 1912 railroad logging camp. Great find!

Do you think this button was part of old railroad workers uniforms? My property borders the old Chicago Rock Island & Pacific railroad.

 

[MadTom]

That's a nice button! How did you train the chickens to dig up goods?

 

[highnam]

I do believe it was part of a railroad work clothing...I know that the button is a studded backing and is smaller than a standard coat button. I always wondered if they were railroad work glove buttons.

 

[KENTUCKYWONDER]

Welcome to TNET. Nice, I like finding those buttons.The button is from overalls or work clothes late 1800's, early 1900's. Several brands used a steam engine logo on their buttons.

 

[Wildcat1750]

Nice button find, with a little help from your chickens!
Welcome to TNet!

 

[fyrffytr1]

The second piece looks like a keyhole cover for a padlock depending on it's size.

 

[A2coins]

Welcome to tnet All you need to do now is put one of those chickens on the end of a pole and you have a new brand of detector the Chick Stick That's a very cool find I love anything old RR Thanks for sharing your finds Looks like you might have some good hunting there!!!!!!

 

[trapperart]

Congrats on some nice finds. The button may be a Jacksonian?

 

[taz42o]

That item with star is part of a hanging scale.

 

[UnderMiner]

Chickens digging for treasure, and to think I thought I'd seen everything!

 

[Mich. Wolverine]

Nice finds. Your button might be an early Carhartt. I think your relic is part of a trammel compass carriage. This is one I found last year but it's made of brass.

 

[Patriot Relics]

Dug the same button earlier in the year, as other have mentioned turn of the century base on construction (iron back) late 1800s/early 1900s

 

[Spyderj]

Thanks for all the info! I appreciate the responses.

 

[Mifarmer]

Nice button! Buy a detector and get to digging, also welcome to treasure net

 

[Spyderj]

Nice button! Buy a detector and get to digging, also welcome to treasure net

Yes! That is my plan. I have been wanting to for years now. I recently purchased a 130+ acre farm property that borders the old Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific RR. Our house was built in 1904. The RR was established here in 1855 (I believe).

So, a question all newbies ask...What detector should I get? I don’t really want to spend the money on an AT Pro. Would an ACE xxx be enough?

Thanks.