Old Button

[hageneyr]

Hello...found his button during summer and just getting around too looking at it. Back says " Leavenworth Extra Rich". Anyone have any idea how old it is? Also...any tips on how to clean the green crust off front brass? Thanks!

 

[fyrffytr1]

Leavenworth & Co. dates from 1839-1849. I have used naval jelly to remove the green and reveal the gold gilt. Apply some of the jelly to the button and let it sit for a couple minutes. I put mine in a small plastic lid. Then use a toothpick or wood skewer like is used for shish-kabobs to GENTLY swirl the jelly around. Rinse and repeat if needed. I would also recommend the use of needle nose pliers to hold the button as the jelly can burn your skin. If you can't grasp the loop with the pliers then keep the button in the lid and use one skewer to hold it while swirling the jelly with another one.

 

[hageneyr]

Perfect. Thanks!