My first Louisiana Button! (Cleaned) Scarce Back mark

Woodland Detectors · Jul 5, 2010

I still can't believe it.
I have always wanted to dig one of the elusive pelicans.
Finaly! Today was my day :hello2:

I took a much needed detecting trip today to one of my favorite spots for CW and Colonial goodies.
I got an early start to beat the heat that is almost unbearable by mid afternoon.
Normally, this is our down season here due to venomous snakes, ticks and yes, the heat.
I have been watching every one post all these great finds, and it was just eating at me to get out myself.
Most of our good fields are under crop, so I had to knock on doors to gain some permission.
I stopped at a farm and noticed the field had been freshly cut for hay.
The farmer was very nice, and he directed me to a section of the field where pottery shards appeared after a good plow.
I immediately started digging iron and a mid 1800's civilian buttons. Then another and another.
It just felt real good to get out again. Gotta Love the Minelab ETRAC!
I missed this target a few years ago with my old machine.

Now, It's back to baby duty

Scarce back mark reads: Horstman's NY & PHI --- Not Late---circa 1860

tuatara · Jul 7, 2010

Very happy for you!!! Congrats on your fantastic find and the banner :hello2:

pepperj · Jul 7, 2010

Great looking button, congrat's on the banner. :icon_thumright:

Dman · Jul 7, 2010

Way to go. Congrats on making banner.
Dman

Breezie · Jul 7, 2010

Ohhhhhhhhh YES! Way to go 'homie' . . .a great button and in great shape! :thumbsup:

Breezie

Ironman! · Jul 7, 2010

Outstanding button 4-H, absolutely beautiful! Looks like you made the right choice knocking on that door!!

I agree with Buckleboy & Kuger with your oval brass piece being a belt keeper for a T&W buckle. Get back out there and find the other two pieces along with some more of those Pelican buttons!

I enclosed a pic. of that type of belt keeper I found a couple of months ago.

Congrats again!
IM

Bigcypresshunter · Jul 7, 2010

kuger said:
AWESOME BUTTON!!Couldnt come to a nicer guy!

I agree.

trikikiwi · Jul 8, 2010

WooHooo!!! :headbang:

Good on you Mate!

Well deserved Banner :thumbsup:

Cheers, Mike

Deepdiger60 · Jul 8, 2010

Congrats Mike on making the Banner that is one great button :thumbsup:

Dd60

Woodland Detectors · Jul 8, 2010

Breezie said:
Ohhhhhhhhh YES! Way to go 'homie' . . .a great button and in great shape! Breezie

LOL @ Hommie!

Thank you "D"

The button is atop a pillow of cotton, under glass, on my office wall. Smiling at me.

Dixiedigger · Jul 8, 2010

Congrats on a awsome find and making the banner. We need rain in Tn also. There's places I want to hunt but it's dry as hell here. Hope you get to go back and find more. :thumbsup:

treasurehound · Jul 8, 2010

WOO HOO. Way to go Mike. Congrats on making banner. And congrats to Maggie and Samantha for giving you some time to hunt. I know having a new born takes a lot of time. I can't wait until we can go hunting again. We sure do need rain. Again way to go my friend.

Michaelangelo · Jul 8, 2010

Wow-congrats Mike!! It's called karma-good things happen to good people!!

Woodland Detectors · Jul 8, 2010

Ok folks I just got the back date confirmed.
It indeed is of period! :hello2:

Here's my friend William's response:

No worries on the LA. button being late.
The exact back mark is pictured in McGuinn and Bazeleon's, Military Button Makers and Dealer.
Their back marks and dates as circa 1860.
Nobody,but Nobody would have and sell this button as LATE.
When it was lost may be an open question and/or one to to which you may never know the answer,
but you can be assured of the origin of the button.
Kind regards,
William

William Leigh www.civilawarbuttons.com