Help from the button experts....

[Henry Smoot]

My latest finds from a site that dates from the colonial era...The gold button doesn't appear to have a backmark that I can see. I assume this is a civilian button from mid to late 1800s. The other button was found amongst some rev war 30th buttons. It is one piece cast. The little "thingy" was found right with the rev war buttons. Any ideas about it?? It looks like it went into the end of something, maybe wooden, just not sure. Any input would be great!! Thanks....Henry

 

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[Felinepeachy]

I don't know about what it is but those are really cool finds. Congrats!!!

 

[rebelfirefighter07]

The small item reminds me of the tip to a bayonet scabbard from the civil war maybe just a little smaller. I'm not up on Revoltionary relics so maybe its a variety of scabbard tip from that era.

Another idea that just came to me. It also looks similar to the metal piece that goes on the bottom of a civil war era cap box. The leather flap folds over and that piece is pushed through a hole to hold the cap box shut.

 

[Montana Jim]

bump...

I also think that last piece is a finial for a knife scabbard.

 

[BuckleBoy]

bump...

I also think that last piece is a finial for a knife scabbard.

I agree.


Plus, your "ball" button is probably 100 years older than you indicated in your post. I would date it to mid-to-late 1700's. The button in the second photo appears to be modeled on the Nova Constellatio Copper, with its tell-tale sunburst design. Here's a photo of the copper. I don't know of a button right off that was modeled on the copper, and I'm pretty sure it isn't a coin turned into a button, but that would make the piece pretty darn old too. I'm sure someone with a good button book will be of further help. Here's a photo and website for the copper coin:

http://www.coinfacts.com/colonial_coins/nova_constellatio/nova_constellatio_coppers.htm



Regards,


Buckleboy