Silver Plated Flat Button?
- Thread starter Danny T
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Pacivilwarluke
Elite Member
I found a flat button exactly like that. Definetly a silver plated, and probably early 1800s! Way cool!
copper head
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I found a flat button exactly like that. Definetly a silver plated, and probably early 1800s! Way cool!
if it has no backmark at all its probably even earlier maybe late 1770's to 1800 I find most of mine at sites dated to around then
TwistedT
Elite Member
Nice find!!
I believe that is called a tombac button. I have found several of them before - I think it dates to the mid 1700's
I believe that is called a tombac button. I have found several of them before - I think it dates to the mid 1700's
Danny T
Elite Member
Wow!, Thank you all for the info. I'm stunned!
copper head
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no its definitely not a tombac button
TwistedT
Elite Member
Ok - if it is not a tombac button then what kind is it?
copper head
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copper or brass alloy with a layer of silver plating.
Tombacs have to have at least one or more of the following characteristics
a uniform gun metal to silver color on front an back
a small blob or "turret" raised area under the shank
or a spun or "turned" look to the back
here is a few examples
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TwistedT
Elite Member
Thanks for the info copper head!
Surfchunker
Elite Member
yeah he nailed the tombac description ... they are copper and tin with a high % of tin and that is why they shine so much
Danny T
Elite Member
My post has raised some questions and led me to do some research. I found this site on button preservation -----
http://www.wetreasures.com/treasures/feature/201202.htm
And here is an excerpt from the page that deals with tombac . . .
<Tombac buttons are named for the metal they're made from, an alloy of copper and zinc. They come out of the ground with a silvery or gunmetal colored shine. Tombac is brittle, and these buttons are often broken rather than bent by the plough. They can also be identified by the fact that their backs appear turned, as though made on a lathe; and their shanks are made of brass and applied as a separate piece to their backs. Due to their coloration, some detectorists confuse them with pewter or even silver buttons.>
So, if mine is not tombac and I have confused it for silver, perhaps it is silver. I will learn how to test for silver and see. Note: it is an extremely thin veneer of shiny material on the front, the entire back is another material all-together, perhaps brass? There is no evidence of turning on the back and there is no maker's mark. This has been an interesting learning experience so far. Anyone interested in my continuation of this thread?
http://www.wetreasures.com/treasures/feature/201202.htm
And here is an excerpt from the page that deals with tombac . . .
<Tombac buttons are named for the metal they're made from, an alloy of copper and zinc. They come out of the ground with a silvery or gunmetal colored shine. Tombac is brittle, and these buttons are often broken rather than bent by the plough. They can also be identified by the fact that their backs appear turned, as though made on a lathe; and their shanks are made of brass and applied as a separate piece to their backs. Due to their coloration, some detectorists confuse them with pewter or even silver buttons.>
So, if mine is not tombac and I have confused it for silver, perhaps it is silver. I will learn how to test for silver and see. Note: it is an extremely thin veneer of shiny material on the front, the entire back is another material all-together, perhaps brass? There is no evidence of turning on the back and there is no maker's mark. This has been an interesting learning experience so far. Anyone interested in my continuation of this thread?
Danny T
Elite Member
This may be a better representation of a Tombac . . .
Note the back is made of the same material and the shank is brass and applied as in the article I posted.
I am really beginning to think Pacivailwarluke had it right the first time, but only metal testing will prove it.
Note the back is made of the same material and the shank is brass and applied as in the article I posted.
I am really beginning to think Pacivailwarluke had it right the first time, but only metal testing will prove it.
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Surfchunker
Elite Member
your button is a silver plated regular flat button probably
Surfchunker
Elite Member
I'd say it's 1700's ... late 1700's tombac's came into being and yours predates that
Danny T
Elite Member
REALLY?! I am stunned again! This is the oldest item I have found so far then, and its incredible. Thank you for responding to this post!
Danny T
Elite Member
Thanks for the input! Not only did I enjoy finding the button, but learning about these different types is the icing on the cake. You da BEST!
duggap
Elite Member
http://www.daacs.org/wp-content/uploads/buttons.pdf
Folks, check out this site here. It will give a lot of good id info on buttons. I believe they made this a sticky.
Folks, check out this site here. It will give a lot of good id info on buttons. I believe they made this a sticky.
poppoplou
Forum Supporter
