Is this a Tombac button??

[owena1]

I believe I just found a Tombac button. There is no writing or anything on it. Both sides are totally flat. It also looks like the green patina is coming on it under the dirt

The shank is perfectly intact!! I'm really excited. This is my first one!

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[del]

Owen its possible that its a tombac but the pictures make it hard to confirm . Tombacs usually have a raised area or "turret" style spot where the shank comes out and or has a turned or "lathed" polished back . they can be very brown to greenish when first found but clean up to a nice silvery or greyish metal color. here are a few examples .

please post a close up or side view of the shank area .

Dan

 

[owena1]

Owen its possible that its a tombac but the pictures make it hard to confirm . Tombacs usually have a raised area or "turret" style spot where the shank comes out and or has a turned or "lathed" polished back . they can be very brown to greenish when first found but clean up to a nice silvery or greyish metal color. here are a few examples .

please post a close up or side view of the shank area .

Dan

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[OxShoeDrew]

It doesn't look it from here. Tombacs will usually shine up to a gun gray color. Hit it with a brass brush. I don't think the tombacs turn green either....most are thicker too. They also ring up very low....50s If yours in the 70-80s, you got yourself a nice dandy. EDIT-I must have been typing when you guys added...I type slowly.

 

[del]

congratulations it is indeed a tombac button , a rather large one at that :clapping:these will date from about the mid 1700's to about 1810 . can you see any silvery grey under all the dirt and grime ??

 

[owena1]

congratulations it is indeed a tombac button , a rather large one at that :clapping:these will date from about the mid 1700's to about 1810 . can you see any silvery grey under all the dirt and grime ??

I have it a light brush with the tooth brush so I haven't looked at it too hard get. Would using a wire brush be a bad idea?


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[owena1]

Or keep scrubbing with the toothbrush


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[del]

I have it a light brush with the tooth brush so I haven't looked at it too hard get. Would using a wire brush be a bad idea?


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I usually clean my tombacs with a little clr & water and a soft brass bristle brush

 

[owena1]

I usually clean my tombacs with a little clr & water and a soft brass bristle brush

I will keep cleaning it and keep you posted!! Thanks Dan! I'm excited


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[owena1]

I usually clean my tombacs with a little clr & water and a soft brass bristle brush

Starting to clean off to that silver color!

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[del]

CLR (Calcium ,Lime , Rust) remover or naval jelly and a brass brush will really cut through the grime and clean it up quickly . With the clr it usually takes me only a few seconds and the button is very shiny and new looking.

Dan