Unearthing History: A Guide to Finding and Identifying Buttons while Metal Detecting
Buttons are a common find for metal detector enthusiasts, and they can offer valuable insights into the history of an area. Whether you are a beginner or experienced detectorist, understanding the different types of buttons and how to identify them can greatly enhance your metal detecting experience. In this guide, we will explore the various types of buttons you may come across while metal detecting and provide tips on how to spot them in the field.
**Types of Buttons:**
1. **Flat Buttons:** Flat buttons are one of the most commonly found types of buttons by metal detectorists. They typically have two or four holes for sewing and were commonly used in clothing from the 18th century onwards. Flat buttons can be made from various materials such as brass, pewter, copper, and even silver.
2. **Shank Buttons:** Shank buttons differ from flat buttons in that they have a loop or shank on the back for attaching them to fabric. These types of buttons became popular in the late 19th century and are still widely used today. Shank buttons can be made from various materials including plastic, metal, and even wood.
3. **Military Buttons:** Military buttons often feature regimental crests, insignia, or other military symbols on them. These buttons can provide valuable clues about past conflicts or military presence in an area.
4. **Civilian Uniform Buttons:** Civilian uniform buttons were worn by individuals such as police officers, firefighters, railway workers, and other professionals who wore uniforms as part of their job duties.
5. **Cuff Links:** Cuff links are small decorative fasteners used to secure shirt cuffs at the wrist; they consist of two parts linked by a connecting mechanism which is usually designed with ornate patterns or monograms.
**Identifying Buttons:**
When it comes to identifying buttons while out metal detecting, there are several key features to look out for:
1. **Size & Shape:** Pay attention to the size and shape of the button as this can help determine its age and origin.
2. **Design & Material:** Take note of any designs or markings on the button which could indicate its purpose (e.g., military insignia) or material composition (e.g., brass vs plastic).
3. **Back Attachment:** Check if there is a shank on the back indicating it’s a shank button rather than a flat button.
4 .**Condition & Patina:** The condition and patina (surface appearance)of a button can also give clues about its age – older buttons may have more wear-and-tear marks.
5 .**Button Backmarks**: Many antique & vintagebuttons have maker’s marks stamped on their backs.This informationcanbe usefulfor datingandidentifyingthebutton’sorigin.
**Tips for Finding Buttons:**
– Research historical maps,directories,and old newspapersbefore heading outtodetect potential areaswherebuttons mightbe foundsuchasold homesteads,civil warbattlefields,parks,and fairgrounds.
– Focusonareaswith highfoot trafficlike pathways,nearbuildingsor aroundpublic gathering spotswherelostbuttonsaremore likelyto befound.
– Usea smallercoilornearchairsto detectsmallertargets likebuttons moreeffectively.
– Be meticulousin your searchpatternbyoverlappingyourswingsandcoveringthe groundthoroughlyto ensureyou don’tmissany items.
– Diggingat multipledepthscanalso increaseyourchancesoffindingdeeperburiedtreasuresincludingvintage& antiquebuttons.
In conclusion,making sure you know what type(s)of buttoyou’vefoundisan importantpartofmetal detectingasa hobby.Itis notonlyaboutfindinginterestingitemsbutalsounderstandingtheirhistoricalsignificance.Ifyoucomeacrosssomeunusual-lookingor particularlyintriguingbuttonsduringyourmetaldetectingadventures,take some time todoresearchaboutthemasthey maybekey piecesthatconnectyoutothesocial,historical,andculturalcontextsofthepast.Happy hunting!