Need opinions on OLDER Eagle button **

[drkp88]

I find myself winding up back at the same spot I've been hitting now for a few weeks. No great shakes this time except an older style eagle button. Other finds were a Rosie, an old ringer bell and a keyway plate.
Re the button: I'm thinking 1812 period? It's like a flat but slightly domed. (marked triple gilt on back - can't make out all markings yet). Questions for the experts before I try to clean it:
1) I can see the eagle under the surface scaling. Will removing the scaling destroy the eagle features?
2) If not, what is the best way to remove the scaling?
3) Can anyone nail the vintage or model of the button?

Thanks for the help. Bruce

 

[US Marshal]

put it in some vinegar for a couple of days and keep an eye on it then scrub it with a tooth brush and dish soap

 

[MikeO]

I am with you on the time frame especially being convex and one piece but, I cannot pin that one down. That sure looks like "quality" before "gilt".
I first would try taking a toothpick and work the toothpick on the top of the letters ever so gingerly. Almost a light rubbing. This will help remove the dirt/ corrosion on the high spot of the letters.
I personally would not take a toothbrush to it imho.
How many mm is it??

Really nice old dig Bruce

Sorry edits just looking at it then addingthings.
I also believe the word starting at the 4 o'clock position might be "Orange"

 

[Hotcz70]

Bruce I know nothing about buttons but I do have a hunting buddy who does...and he feels you are right on with the date period.

I love to see old buttons like this posted because I simply don't have a lot if any sites that produce them.

Really nice find

 

[deeponedge]

I'm no expert bud and don't claim to be but I do feel you are in the right time frame.
Some good cleaning advice so far IMO and you might even try a q-tip to carefully give it a scrub.
is this from the same wooded area as your mirror frame came from?

 

[drkp88]

Thanks everybody for the replies. I've been getting feedback as it being 1813-early 1830's period. Until I get some scaling off I won't know if it's navy, militia, etc. I didn't measure it but it's pictured next to a dime for scale.
Originally I tried a short warm peroxide soak and a q-tip rub but it didn't budge the scaling. I figured I'd get some opinions before I tried anything else as I don't want to damage any features.
The button did come from the same area as the sterling mirror frame as well as the 2 reale and the william copper, Last spring I found a small "fouled anchor" flat button there that is probably from the same period. I should be able to verify the markings on the back fairly easily.
Bruce

 

[US Marshal]

as I said let it soak in white vinegar and keep an eye on it it will dissolve that crud that you won't get off with peroxide, qtip, or a toothpick use a soft toothbrush with dish soap if there's detail left this will reveal it brush it gently

 

[US Marshal]

n/t

 

[Neil in West Jersey]

Definitely 1812 period.

Here is one I found with a similar design:

I clean my gilted buttons with aluminum jelly. It removes the corrosion but will leave any remaining gilt. Vinegar will eat through the gilt. Just make sure you follow the directions and don't leave the jelly on for more than 4 minutes at a time. You may need to repeat if necessary.

 

[US Marshal]

I stand corrected but it has not eaten thru the gilt on my bottons maybe if you leave them in too long i will try the aluminum jelly thanks

 

[LandOLincoln]

Here is one I found earlier this year. I just used a tooth brush and water.