LARGE 18th C. Navy Button

Rick (Nova Scotia) · Nov 17, 2012

While checking in on the forums today I get the urge to go dig a hole or two myself, but it's already 2 PM ?

I decided on a spot not too far away that has given up at least 10 coppers in the past, and just had a deep plow this spring. So off I went.

I don't have any field shots, or any dirty pictures, as I didn't think there was any thing worth posting. It was only after rinsing off the mud that I realized that I had something. What I had thought was a dandy button turned out to be something I have wanted for some time, a one piece Navy (I would have taken a canon with equal appreciation). This is a very large button at 33mm. A quick online search suggests a date range of 1774 to 1787.

According to this site, Navy buttons
You can see the same as I found a short way down the page, it's the biggest in a group of 13.

Now I have seen many dug Navy buttons in better shape, but I can't say I've seen one as big ?
When the mud came off this piece, and it revealed itself, was one of my best MDing moments, expecting nothing, and getting something. Cool !

Good luck out there.

baytraderbutch · Dec 14, 2013

wow have to check my glasses, I missed that link in the original post. Thanks

detectahead · Dec 14, 2013

Congrats on an amazing find!! Absolutely beautiful

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Zodiacdiverdave · Dec 14, 2013

Yea, how did I miss this Rick. That button is off the charts and is definitely Banner worthy. Don't know if it's too late or not but I am pulling the trigger on the BANNER nod.
We had a great year hunting together Rick with some fantastic finds to show for our efforts. I look forward to getting out again next Spring.
ZDD

Russ1962 · Dec 14, 2013

sweet finds..

Bill D. (VA) · Dec 14, 2013

Wow - that's an awesome find Rick. Never seen one that large. WTG!!

BuckleBoy · Dec 15, 2013

These uncommon buttons are excellent finds when they turn up. Hoping someone will do a book that features all these non-U.S. early Navy buttons.

Cheers,

Buck

Iron Patch · Dec 15, 2013

BuckleBoy said:
These uncommon buttons are excellent finds when they turn up. Hoping someone will do a book that features all these non-U.S. early Navy buttons.

Cheers,

Buck

What's known appears to be way too vague for the amount of material that's out there, so that's why there's no book and probably won't be one. There is some good reference material but just no way you could ever get all the info. on dates, variants, and makers. But if there was such a thing I'd be first in line!