Rarest civil war button I have ever found, unfortunately...

[gbpackrfan1990]

Today, we were hunting a well known confederate camp near Richmond, VA and weren't having too much luck. I dug two dropped Spencer bullets and 4 Spencer casings before finding the rarest button I have ever found.

Deep in the swamp thicket I found what appeared to be a U.S. Staff officers coat button, but upon closer inspection I saw the word "cadet" and knew it was something I'd never found. It turns out I found a Richmond Male Academy/Randolph-Macon Military Academy Cadet button. Tices book says that there are 10 known to have been excavated in the Richmond area. Unfortunately for me, the button is in TERRIBLE condition. The back has separated from the front, and it's so fragile, I'm scared to clean it. Right now it's sitting in an olive oil bath, I'm hoping that will stabilize the button, but I don't have high hopes.

 

[trapperart]

Congrats on some great finds

 

[Ifoundit69]

Awesome score , send it off to get restored !

 

[williedigit]

very nice that's one I don't have very cool

 

[gbpackrfan1990]

Who restores buttons? If you know anyone, please let me know!

 

[Gridwalker306]

Very nice button, even in that condition. You should definitely get it restored. The best guy for the job that I know of is Roland Frodigh. Look up "Hallowed Ground Restorations", the guy is a genius. He can fix anything it seems, and his prices are fair.

I sent him an Indian Wars era hat badge that I dug to be restored. I should have it back soon, I will post pics.

 

[Darby]

Very cool button! Good luck on cleaning and preserving it. What an outstanding find! Congrats

 

[A2coins]

Great find mybee put in a case with magnifying glass cover easy to see and store.

 

[against the wind]

Excellent save,, I really would like to see it again, , after the restoration.
Congrats