Last buttons of the year

ynpto804 · Dec 30, 2012

Managed to get out to a couple spots for a few hours today. Had a little of a rough time. Turns out most of the bullets were deeper than my e trac could handle. I did pick up this nice Maine State seal button. It has a Extra Quality back mark. I'm a little unsure about how to get it looking the best thou. Any ideas would be welcome.
Thanks for looking
YNP

birdman · Dec 30, 2012

Nice Saves! Are you using TTF mode? Much deeper and great for relic hunting.

CC Hunter · Dec 30, 2012

Nice button! :icon_thumright:

Best to let the dirt dry on the button, and then carefully use a toothpick to gently remove the dirt from around the details. Water can really be a hazard on some fragile brass and copper items, as the patina can be lifted right off along with details, leaving a rough brown surface. You've already taken the correct first steps, in not washing the button, as well as asking advice.

A light rub over the surface of the button after loosening the dry dirt, using a fingertip very gently, can highlight the details. A finish touch of a little mineral oil or pure Vasaline on the fingertip very lightly touched over the details, can also highlight the button. Leaving some lighter colored dirt in the recesses, can sometimes help define the details as well. Every button is a different scenario though, depending on the particular metal composition, soil conditions, and other factors. Also, buttons with gold gilt, and silver plate can benefit with some other cleaning methods, to bring out more of the original luster, if still present. Remember with most cleaning methods of relics, less is much better than overdoing.

BuckleBoy has also posted some great information here in the past, regarding the cleaning of buttons.

CC Hunter

ynpto804 · Dec 30, 2012

birdman said:
Nice Saves! Are you using TTF mode? Much deeper and great for relic hunting.

Yeah, I use alot of TTF but today im not sure what the deal was. My partner I was hunting with was using a Nautlis and was pulling bullets I couldnt hear untill 2-4 inches of duff and dirt were removed. Its interstering I have never run in to this before. I would guess most of the bullets were in the 12-15'' range.

Gunrunner61 · Dec 30, 2012

If you will look in the research and tech forum, And then look for BuckleBoy's post on Button cleaning, The Man tells you all you will need to know.
Cool finds the one Bullet looks like it was a pull.....................HH

jamesbibb · Dec 31, 2012

Seen it happen many times here in va. Great tuff button!

birdman · Dec 31, 2012

They say the Etrac is not great in harsh soil . I was planning on going to DIV till I found out that the Etrac was no good there. Works great here in NC though. Here and SC is the only places I have used it ,both sandy soil.