My best King George III gilded button

tuatara · May 12, 2010

Yesterday I was detecting locally in a city that was settled in the mid-20th century so my greatest ambition there was to find several bucks for our weekly bread. My wish was granted and soon I had around $10. Then on the way back I stopped to dig out another coin-like signal but instead a well preserved gilded button popped out. It was a total surprise for me to see George III cipher on it. With its shank intact, the button looks as good as new. Only gilt is worn out in some places. It’s marked ‘Treble Gilt’, ‘Standard Colour’ and was manufactured by ‘M.S & J.D’ that specialised in military and livery buttons. I wonder what this 1810 - 1820 button was doing in the area where only a couple of expeditions passed much later. The place is also too far inland for a shipwreck survivor to strand into.

CRUSADER · May 12, 2010

That is one of the best finds, I have seen you post :hello2:

Condition is everything, & that one is great. You could soak in half-lemon juice/water for 15 minutes & it will come out great! (rinse after with water & dry)

Don't try to hard to link the date of the button with its lose or even Military activity, could have easily been an old coat worn after Military service for example. :icon_thumright:

tuatara · May 12, 2010

That is one of the best finds, I have seen you post Condition is everything, & that one is great. You could soak in half-lemon juice/water for 15 minutes & it will come out great! (rinse after with water & dry)
Don't try to hard to link the date of the button with its lose or even Military activity, could have easily been an old coat worn after Military service for example.

Hi Cru,

Thank your for your tips on cleaning. Yesterday evening I came back to that spot and found 6 pence of 1838. There were 2 expeditions of Sir George Grey in the area in 1838 and in 1840 and I believe that I accidentally came across their night camp. His men survived the local drought by drinking liquid mud. There were no other Europeans there for the land was inhabited by the local tribes. BTW, later Sir George Grey became Governor of NZ.