Help....Calling all button experts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[outraged]

And this one... I do not have a pic of the back of this one...The shank is intact but bent...and it says "color" i can not read the other word the shank is bent over it.

 

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[outraged]

I guess you guys are as stumped as me!

 

[wildrider]

I can't read the words on the first one.

The second one is a band or musicians button of some sort.

Tell us what the wording is on the first one please.

Burt

 

[morgan70]

I agree with wildrider on the 2nd one, looks like a music lyre. maybe from a band organization or something? All I know for sure is that those are two VERY interesting buttons! Nice find!

 

[outraged]

The second one says THE CG. BRAXMAR CO NY

 

[PBK]

The first button is from the Knights Templar fraternal order (also known in Masonic York Rite tradition as The Commandery). It's probably late 1800's - early 1900's, although they're still made today:

http://www.waterburybutton.com/user...r Uniform&subcatg=Organizations,Crowns&id=208

In Hoc Signo Vinces, their motto, is Latin for, "In this sign shalt thou conquer."

For more Knights Templar info:

http://www.knightstemplar.org/faq.html

The C. G. Braxmar Co. of New York City was founded in 1881 and was perhaps best known during its earlier years as a supplier of badges for policemen and firemen. I believe that it remains in existence today, now based in Long Island, as a manufacturer of jewelry.

 

[wildrider]

Good Call PBK. If I coulda seen the letters on the front of #1 I may have beaten you.

 

[outraged]

Thanks PBK the second button i found in the woods on the Hudson river at the site of a 1600-early 1700s cabin... This button was found 3 inches below a 1723 copper. Any ideas on the age or orgin?

 

[PBK]

"Color" is part of a quality backmark for the button's gilt finish. Is it a one-piece button (solid, like a coin)? if so, it's probably c. 1800-1830's. If it's two-piece (hollow, like the Kights Templar button), then the date range would likely be 1830's or later.

 

[outraged]

It is a one piece and it looks like it is made out of pewter. Thanks a ton for your help PBK!!!

 

[PBK]

Some one-piece, gilt, quality-backmarked buttons date even a bit earlier— say, 1790's. However, based on its design, I still feel that this one is post-1800.