What a way to ring in the new year

[cti4sw]

Ran some errands today, and found an empty field behind a strip mall. Decided to swing for a bit, and I am so glad I did. First hole I dug was a toasted copper, probably a draped bust or older, as I can barely make out the RTY in "Liberty" at the top of the obverse and one of the bow loops at the bottom of the reverse:



But hey, a large copper in any condition is a great find... Until this:



Figuring mid-1800s, my best button find yet! I'm so stoked

 

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[Msbeepbeep]

Great finds ! All in an unexpected place, great save ! HH in 2014!

 

[docbars]

Nice.

 

[detectahead]

Very cool!!


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[Tired Rooster]

Of all places.....you never know. Great find!

 

[TheCannonballGuy]

For anybody here who doesn't already know:
The "FD" button is a city Fire Department button.

Regarding the backmark on cti4sw's button:
According to the McGuinn-&-Bazelon book on time-dating button backmarks, the American Button Company of Newark NJ began manufacturing buttons in 1901. It ceased production when the factory burned in 1917, and the company went out of business in 1920.

 

[woody_g]

nice finds good way to start your year

 

[CASPER-2]

 

[cti4sw]

For anybody here who doesn't already know:
The "FD" button is a city Fire Department button.

Regarding the backmark on cti4sw's button:
According to the McGuinn-&-Bazelon book on time-dating button backmarks, the American Button Company of Newark NJ began manufacturing buttons in 1901. It ceased production when the factory burned in 1917, and the company went out of business in 1920.

Oh well, not mid-19th as originally thought, but still a century old. Thanks, CBG! Your conclusions are valuable and always appreciated, even if you don't have info on a particular marking.