First military button

[Jim in Idaho]

Chris and I got out for a couple of hours the other day. Searching along an old two-track in the sagebrush. Got a decent target, and out popped this button. I'm not a button guy, but it was in such great condition I was pretty happy with it.
Jim

 

[JCR TX]

Very nice. You might want to swab it with a little lemon juice to bring out any guilt that might be left.

 

[fwcrawford]

Nice find…
I tried looking up the backmark to help date it for you.
I found S.N. MEYER, and that backmark dates from 1890-1925.
Since yours has a N.S. MEYER NEW YORK backmark, it may date later.

 

[Jim in Idaho]

Very nice. You might want to swab it with a little lemon juice to bring out any guilt that might be left.

Good idea! it didn't bring out any gilt, but did remove some of the tarnish from the copper. I appreciate the tip.
Jim

 

[T-DUB]

Congrats on your first military button! Nothing wrong with digging a World War General Service button.

 

[kac_dt]

A lot of times that tarnish is over the guilt. Should come clean. Maybe some polish and test on the back with a cotton swab?

 

[407floyd]

That’s a Great Seal button created in 1902. So your button dates 1902-1925

 

[Odanscoils]

Man that's nice.
Any metal I find I want to clean.
First I wrap it in a paper towel with a mix of a good penetrating oil and 3 in one oil.

I've let em soak months.
With a light soft brushing now and then.

I've destroyed a few old copper's over the years using any kind of acid.
Especially lemon juice with salt.

Personally I Love keeping the green platina ...

Especially on old Indians