Very strange button!!!! Cannonball guy????

[Gregg3131]

Found this at old homesite. I have never seen a back like this and front has protruding ball type concaveness..with a design on it. Any ideas?

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

In this case I must defer to the T-Net relic-ID helpers who known more about "pre-20th-Century" Civilian button forms than I do. If presssed to at least post a guess, I'd say your button is from sometime in the first half of the 1800s.,, because early manufacturers of brass 1-piece buttons had persistent trouble in getting the shank (loop) to stay attached to a brass button's body WITHOUT making it even more difficult by having to put the shank in a narrow-&-deep depression.

 

[Silver Searcher]

That's called a umbonate front button with recessed back, and dates 17th-18th century. You look to have a good site.

SS

 

[Gregg3131]

Silver searcher Had no idea it could be that early. Never heard of this type of button. You have a link you can share or more info on it...I can't find anything online. Thx

 

[Silver Searcher]

Sure, although the one in the link is slightly different, and is cast lead/tin the shape is the same as yours. Also I have posted a picture of a Tombac umbonate type also.

Button - UK Finds Database -

 

[Gregg3131]

Great info!! Looks just like it but I believe mine is brass so not sure if that makes it a little later?