HELP ID Two buttons

BUTTON #1

Button #1. Small. Found with the XP DEUS on the other side of the James River, 25 November 2017.

Shank still intact on other side (see bottom pic). Clad dime for size.

Any opinions are WELCOME. let me know what you think.


http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/at...628426&thumb=1


BACK of button (pic below) - No Letters visible. Is that a flattened shank?

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/at...640456&thumb=1



http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/at...628443&thumb=1


BUTTON #2

Button #2. Large. Found with the XP DEUS on the other side of the James River, 25 November 2017

Shank still intact on other side (see bottom). Clad dime for size.

Any opinions are WELCOME. let me know what you think.


FRONT of button (pic below) - Ornate pattern visible.

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/at...639927&thumb=1


BACK of button (pic below) - Letters "UP" and "NC" visible, appear to be raised lettering.

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/at...639796&thumb=1

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/at...628146&thumb=1

Well Scott, first off let me welcome you to the forum :waving:
I'm no button expert by any means but I'll take a crack at them for ya.
The first one looks to be a common flat button. Circa early to mid 1800's, could be a little later. And yes that is a flattened shank there on the back. There also seems to be traces of a backmark too, but it's too far gone to make out?
And for the second one, it does look like the back piece to a 2 piece button. Again, from the picture I can't make out any writing.
Looks like some nice old buttons! Your in a good spot :thumbsup01:

thanks for the welcome and for the post. i cannot make out any writing on the 1st button, even under magnification. the second button, UP and NC are visible. someone suggested it was super fine, which was an old back mark i guess. looking at the spacing, it seems like it would have to be as two words, not SUPERFINE as the spacing is not right.

Scott , the first button is as Tim mentioned its an early "flat" button from the early 1800's era (1800 -1820's) from its size I'd say a "cuff" type .

The second button looks to be a broken two piece (the back half) , twp piece buttons started entering the picture in the mid to late 1820's and grew in popularity from then on the letters shown on the reverse would indicate it said "Super fine" a common backmark on the backs to describe the quality of the gilt process. Attachment 61904

Dan