Need advice on this button...

[fwcrawford]

I found this button a few days ago around an old home site and it has a "tinned iron back" on it.
I was wondering if I should leave it as is or apply something on the back to stabilize the rust.
I have some rust neutralizer that I use on iron artifacts that probably most familiar with, but thought I'd get some opinions on
what to do with it.
This is the first military button that I have found with an iron back on it.
Thanks in advance for any help,

 

[huntcav65]

I would add a little (20%)water to elmers glue then coat the back. the water to thin the glue so it will settle in. then maybe a 2nd coat on the back after 24 hrs. the glue will harden what is there. I think I would be careful of trying to remove any rust or to much dirt.

Richard

 

[Cajuncoinhunter]

Thats a good find ! Dont do too much with it as it seems fragile. People always hurry to clean, brush, soak relics .... most times less is best. The glue remedy mentioned above is always a good idea. Congrats. CCH

 

[morelic55]

Looks like it still has the back shank on it also. I would at least try to expose the shank a little more and then coat the back with glue. WTG Great confederate button there!!!

 

[LaRelic]

Nice find!! I would be hesitant to add water to any iron artifact. Glue is a great idea but mixing glue with water is a bad idea in my opinion. HH

 

[fwcrawford]

Thanks for the comments guys.. I decided to use the rust converter on the back of the button and it turned out pretty good.
Hopefully this will help seal out moisture.
Felix

 

[LaRelic]

Moisture is the enemy!! Preserving iron can be very tedious work. It's something I've learned to love doing. Recovering and preserving history!! Usually it's more work preserving relics than it is to find them!!

 

[huntcav65]

I didn't say soak the button in water, you need to thin out the Elmers glue so it will penatrate the rust and dirt. Also said to let it dry for about 24 hrs before the 2nd coat. I have a pretty good idea of what I am doing.

Richard

 

[LaRelic]

Didn't say you did bud. Me personally would not thin the glue using water. Definitely dry button first. Once that is done I personally would not add water to anything. Just my 2 cents. I've been around the block myself...Lol HH

 

[LaRelic]

To this day there is no perfect way to preserve iron. There are always new methods coming along especially from archeologist. That's why all methods need to be reversible to allow for new and better methods. It's really just do the best you can with the newest and best preservation methods available. Time will tell...HH

 

[huntcav65]

you are right about better ways coming along all the time. I use mineral oil instead of olive oil on buttons. I think the mineral oil does a much better job and dries clear without turning like olive oil can. on the bigger iron I have use paraffin wax, polyurethane and oil it sort of just depends on the iron.

Merry Christmas All

Richard

 

[LaRelic]

Yup definitely depends on the relic. Too many factors to list. Waxing is a great method and I like the way it looks when done. Microcrystalline wax blocks can be found on eBay sometimes but you have to cut the stuff with a hatchet it's so hard. Paraffin wax is good to and easier to come buy. Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!!