First loop shank button...1/2 butterfly buckle

highnam · May 31, 2016

Today I found my first loop shank button and what I think is 1/2 of a two piece women's belt buckle with cattails. This site was first settled in 1900. Could these finds be that old? The button is paper thin. I am not an expert in these type of buttons, any suggestions welcomed. Thanks

trapperart · May 31, 2016

2 nice finds congrats

BARKER · May 31, 2016

Hi; I don't know about the buckle but that button dates to 1820 or older. The 1 Piece Button went out of use by about 1820. They were replaced by the 2 Piece Button due to it's durability and flexibility in designs ok. PEACE:RONB

Dinkleman · May 31, 2016

great finds.... hope your luck continues

highnam · May 31, 2016

BARKER said:
Hi; I don't know about the buckle but that button dates to 1820 or older. The 1 Piece Button went out of use by about 1820. They were replaced by the 2 Piece Button due to it's durability and flexibility in designs ok. PEACE:RONB

Thank you for your response... I'm shocked! Really?! This button is the oldest thing I have ever found! I have found over 300 metal work buttons in a 1912 R.R. Logging camp here in Western Wa that burned in a fire...not a single loop shank. Finding a 1800's button in Wa State....I'll take it!

romeo-1 · May 31, 2016

Nice finds...I think I have the same sash buckle!

Professor of Engineering · May 31, 2016

Very nice finds!

highnam · May 31, 2016

romeo-1 said:
Nice finds...I think I have the same sash buckle!

No way! What does the other side look like!?! I can image the same image, but I'd love to see the back. Also, do you mind telling me what state it was found?

relic lover · Jun 1, 2016

Nice button and that is definitely half of a butterfly buckle

highnam · Jun 3, 2016

Thank you relic hunter.
I think the button has fern fronds, curious if anyone agrees

Trezurehunter · Jun 4, 2016

Those are a couple of great finds. I have a few of the half pieces of Butterfly sash buckles. Haven't seemed to be able to find both parts of one yet.

highnam · Jun 4, 2016

Trezurehunter said:
Those are a couple of great finds. I have a few of the half pieces of Butterfly sash buckles. Haven't seemed to be able to find both parts of one yet.

I was lucky enough to find a complete sash buckle in a 1913 R.R. Logging camp. It took a month between finding both halves