Military or Civilian?

[BTV Digger]

Hi folks,

I'd like your take on a find I made yesterday evening. Returned to my nearby little hayfield site for a few hours yesterday evening and focused the D2 in the small iron patch, nabbing some more tombac/pewter buttons (7), another full set of sleeve buttons (cuffs) and one half set. This site dates from the late 1700s to no later than 1830 based on the finds I've recovered there - save 1 odd Buffalo Nickel (likely a farmer drop). The one half set has an old looking anchor on it (see pic, at top). So to my question - In your opinion, is this military related or just a popular civilian design? I cross-referenced Albert's button book, but it didn't really help narrow things down as these weren't true "1-piece" buttons. Thanks in advance for any help.

John

70227

[Full Metal Digger]

I'm pretty sure I saw that anchor/fouled rope cufflink recently on an episode of mudlarking the Thames and I think they said War of 1812, but I could also be wrong about that!

[OxShoeDrew]

Good hunt. It's nice when sites are productive and close :). "Anonymous" also says his (look similar to yours) are from the war of 1812. https://www.kellycodetectors.com/treasure-finds/digging-pays-off
This one looks even more like yours, https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1774-1787-royal-navy-buttons-cufflink-1801743770

Good luck with the ID!

[BTV Digger]

I'm pretty sure I saw that anchor/fouled rope cufflink recently on an episode of mudlarking the Thames and I think they said War of 1812, but I could also be wrong about that!

Thanks Dave! Either War of 1812 or British Royal/Continental Navy. Based on what I've found so far looking online, I'm leaning toward the former.


Good hunt. It's nice when sites are productive and close :). "Anonymous" also says his (look similar to yours) are from the war of 1812. https://www.kellycodetectors.com/treasure-finds/digging-pays-off
This one looks even more like yours, https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1774-1787-royal-navy-buttons-cufflink-1801743770

Good luck with the ID!

Thanks Drew. Yeah, the more I'm looking at examples on this site (https://www.georgewashingtoninauguralbuttons.com/the-american-continental-navy-1748-1785-the-british-royal-navy-1748-182518th-century-french-navy-button-styles/) I'm thinking British Royal or Continental Navy (1780s-1790s). Finds from this date have been common at this site.

[fyrffytr1]

I found similar one at a native American site. It was identified as Continental Navy. Probably a trade item between the military and native Americans.