Had a few first and need a little help.

[jcooking]

I went back to a park that I found the 1906 Indian head penny, and a bunch of wheaties. I found my first ever Mercury dime!I found this military button and don't know about it or how to clean it. What is the best way to clean something like this without damaging it? I lightly scrubbed the back off to see the writing and it says WATERBURY BUTTON CO. Conn. I did an internet search and see that this company has been making military button since 1812. I don't think that this is that old, but does someone else know the era that it is from? I also found this bullet, which is the first of this kind that I have found. I see them on the relic forum and for folks in the south that are hunting civil war sites. Can anyone tell me if this is an old bullet? Thankyou all for helping out and happy hunting!

 

[ihuntrelics!]

it is probably more closer to the WWII era judging by the condition of the button. As far as cleaning it I would start with a tooth pic and try cleaning it while dry and get most of the dirt off of it. Then I would use lemon juice and a soft bristled brush being that it has plenty of gilt left on it.( I wouldn't suggest using lemon juice on a button with no gilt on it ) Start off with just a little lemon juice at a time on the brush and lightly clean the button for just a few seconds at a time and rinse afterwards to make sure you get all the citric acid off of it. Keep repeating until clean enough but remembering to not over clean it as the acid can start doing more damage than good. Now as far as the bullet it is really hard to say without a clear pic showing the side and base and knowing the weight, length and diameter and even with that it would still be a challenge to ID since it has been fired. Good luck on cleaning your button and HH!!

 

[ConfCav]

Its a US Great Seal button; issued in 1902 and used up through WWII. Nice military history you got there. Sorry, can't help with the bullet.

 

[shilohwig]

i think the bullet may be some type of carved bullet check this link to find it http://www.baymediapro.com/collection/bullet_search.asp

 

[jcooking]

What are these buttons made of, it cleaned up very nice. Brass?

 

[ConfCav]

Yep brass. I found one once that had an iron collar attachment, but the face was brass.

 

[jcooking]

Thanks all for your help! It cleaned up really nice, and even though it really isn't that old, a cool piece of history for me.