Old Button, Can Anyone Help?

[vinnywop]

Hello, I found this old flat button yesterday and cleaned it as best I could and I am hoping someone more knowledgeable than I can help me ID it or provide an estimate of age. Details:
1) Apologize for the poor photo of the front but it doesn't seem to have any identifiable design (i.e. eagle, U.S. letters, numbers, etc.)
2) On the back of the button it almost looks like I can make out the letters "IAL" on the bottom.
3) Appears to be bronze and it pretty thin and flat, no concave/convex
4) Area of find is southwestern part of Stafford County Virginia.

I appreciate any help that may be provided and happy hunting to you all!

 

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[DCMatt]

Wow. That's a seriously toasted button. I'd say it's late 18th to early 19th C, although they made these for most of the 19th C.

To my eye the letters are 'TED' which could be the end of the word 'PLATED' - which would indicate it once had a breath of silver on it.

 

[vinnywop]

Hey DCMatt, I appreciate the feedback very much. You're right, it's pretty toasted for sure. I plan to keep working it carefully to see if I can improve the cleaning and make out more of the writing on the back. Thanks again!