Colonial flat button details?

[ne_seeker]

I am wondering if any "button experts" out there can help in a comparison of flat button details.

Last night I dug the button on the left in the attached photo. It's a bit different than buttons I have dug at other sites in that it is thinner and marked "PLATED" instead of "GILT". The shank seems a bit different and it is also thinner than most others I have.

Can these details help in date estimation, or did manufacturing processes vary? I haven't been able to figure this out with the references I have.

Any input is appreciated, hope I'm not sweatin' the "technical details" of a simple item too much!

[tommyb]

I can't tell you for sure but i believe that the plated button is pretty old. I have found a few plated buttons and they were all from areas that were being used somewhere in the 1860's-1880's.

[xlt nh]

It's tough to find a definite answer, but this is my understanding:

The thin, flat buttons with the braised on shank and blank backmarks to ones with one word or picture all date from the 1700's. I have ones that only say 'Gilt' or 'Plated' like yours, and others that have a picture of an Eagle or a Wreath...and usually a flat front.

In the early 1800's the buttons got thicker and carried more writing on the back, such as yours saying 'Orange Colour'...I can't read the top, but I'm guessing either a Company's name or 'Treble Guilt' or something.

The large Colonials were only made from the mid to late 1700's.

Here's a link to see some button backmarks and help you date any that match. http://pw1.netcom.com/~jimyce/bm.html

Hope this helps a little...and Great finds by the way!!

HH, Hank

[tater]

I dont have a clue but have found about 100 of the ones on the right. They are mixed in with coins from 1850s-1890s. The one on the left i have never found one like that. Possibly older?

[MattInPhila]

Here is a page you might find helpful. Be patient cause there is a lot of buttons to look at. Here it is:http://www.thetreasuredepot.com/cayenna/index.html

[bugguy]

the words orange colour is weird ,its says the same thing on my token i found from about 1785 to 1840 from the "cold water army" . just think its cool nice finds

[spittfire]

Those are some cool buttons, well done!

[acleland]

I have found a flat button. on the back of the button is "treble standard"
could anyone help me to find out more about this.
thanks