Confederate Navy Officers button (CSN) & The bloody Scarificator!!!

[CSN]

I scored a few pretty neat finds the last couple of days folks.
The first one is an early 1800's bloodletting tool called a "Scarificator", with emphasis on the "SCAR" part. Please check it out on my "what is it" post:
http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,217365.0.html

Yesterday I finished up the yard where I had found the 1864 double die IH about a week ago. Well, I was on my last section of the back yard and about ready to call it quits, when I dug a button. I threw it in my pouch and headed for home. Today at lunch I took it out, rinsed it and saw the letters "CSN" and a large anchor. I got home and cleaned it up using Buckles button cleaning technique with a dry toothpick on the back and some Naval Jelly (seemed fitting too  ) on the front. As you can see she is a BEAUTY!!! It has almost all of the gold gilt still on it too. 
It is a 23mm two piece w/shank. The back mark has "Firmin & Sons , 153 Strand London , & 13 Conduit St."
It is listed in Albert's book as #CS52A.  I believe it is mid 1800's, but please correct me if I am wrong. 
Any idea of the value of this button?
I think this is my best button find so far. 

Other finds were:

*A small decorative locket.

*Broken earring (yes, I broke it!)

*#29 Matchbox firetruck.  Any idea on the year?

*A very hilarious dog vaccine tag with " UNSEXED - Female Dog - Virg... "  (Virgin or Virginia???  )
I'll hold my comments on this one. 

Thanks for looking,
MM

NICE ASSORTMENT OF FINDS.

Excellent finds Doug, you did a beautiful job cleaning up that button!


Chris

Excellent finds Doug, you did a beautiful job cleaning up that button!
Chris

Thanks Chris.
It has some dirt still on it, but I didn't want to over clean it and ruin it.
She looks great in person.
-Doug-

Super finds, awesome looking CSN button.

Sheesh!  You find ALL the good stuff!!  Awesome finds and incredibly beautiful button there!  Wise decision on holding comments on the dog tag....I can't think of any that could be posted!  rofl

           SUPER FIND MM!!! CS52A goes for $1,000+ in excavated condition per the Civil War Collector's Price Guide 11th edition to be replaced in August. That's a BANNER find Bud. HH.

          SUPER FIND MM!!! CS52A goes for $1,000+ in excavated condition per the Civil War Collector's Price Guide 11th edition to be replaced in August. That's a BANNER find Bud. HH.

VOL,
You are kidding, right?  If not, I will soon soil myself. Please tell me you're not joking.
-Doug-

great stuff your finding MM  ! cant wait till i get back at again ! congrats  

great button! awsome find

Might I ask what book your using to identify it?

thanks
3S

          SUPER FIND MM!!! CS52A goes for $1,000+ in excavated condition per the Civil War Collector's Price Guide 11th edition to be replaced in August. That's a BANNER find Bud. HH.

    I told ya it was an incredibly beautiful button but I didn't know that!

This scarificator currently on Ebay is very similar to yours:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rare-Antique-Sc...es_Science_RL?hash=item130286616566

great button! awsome find

Might I ask what book your using to identify it?

thanks
3S

3S,
Here are a few books I have.
-MM-

ModernMiner,
very nice group of finds.
Thanks for posting.

Hope you hit the jackpot with that   button.

have a good un........
SHERMANVILLE

awesome button MM You're still finding the great stuff. lucky sob

That button is a banner find MM,in 1994 a two button CSN "pin"  was #6 in the top ten best finds in Western/Eastern Treasures magazine!!!  http://www.treasurenet.com/westeast/tenbest94/6.html

I just received this link from a fellow MDer and buddy:
http://relicman.com/ButtonConGovNavy.htm
This one is selling for $1100 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
Ya-hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
Thanks Big K.
-Doug-

Super find MM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The button is roughly worth $1,100.00.

Super find MM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks so much Don. I'm still in shock. Not only is this my best button now, but it looks like my best find EVER! 
-Doug-

The button is roughly worth $1,100.00.

Holy smokes, that's a new Minelab SE. 

That button is a banner find MM,in 1994 a two button CSN "pin"  was #6 in the top ten best finds in Western/Eastern Treasures magazine!!!  http://www.treasurenet.com/westeast/tenbest94/6.html

Thanks for that link & info Jerry.  My trusty Tesoro pulled through again! 
-Doug-

awesome button MM You're still finding the great stuff. lucky sob

Thanks Chris.
Lucky is right! 
-Doug-

ModernMiner,
very nice group of finds.
Thanks for posting.

Hope you hit the jackpot with that   button.

have a good un........
SHERMANVILLE

Thanks Sherm.
I think I just did. 
-Doug-

A big high 5 there bud. That CSN button is in phenomenal condition. Your my hero--- I would have soiled myself the second that sucker came out of the dirt LOL

Wow Doug, I had know idea either that button was worth that much,


A big CONGRATULATIONS to you Bud!

Thanks for the info MM

Again great finds.....Hope your able to sleep tonight and put that beauty in the safe !

3S

  speechless!!!

And here I thought Chris was the luckiest bast@*# alive - I was obviously wrong...

That is truly a banner find Shorty - the best I've seen yet from you. Absolutely awesome!!!  


If you sell it, I may just have to make you a pair of cement shoes...

By the way...

That is a Fantastic find and in Great condition.

                                 Congrats,

                                               Nova Treasure

Awesome finds.Congrats for this beauty.Banner definitely.

[THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!]

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!
I can't believe it myself. If it makes banner, I will be one happy camper.
I almost gave up and skipped that back section because I was digging a lot of junk and getting tired. I'm glad I stayed. I thought I had dug a common modern blazer button and didn't even look at it. I saw a lot of design, but without my glasses even DD-777 looks good sometimes. 
The Mighty $239 Tesoro pulls through again!
-MM-
P.S. My wife is now mentioning something about buying her a Valentines gift.   

That's  a  beautiful  button.  I  say  Banner! 

[THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!]

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!
I can't believe it myself. If it makes banner, I will be one happy camper.
I almost gave up and skipped that back section because I was digging a lot of junk and getting tired. I'm glad I stayed. I thought I had dug a common modern blazer button and didn't even look at it. I saw a lot of design, but without my glasses even DD-777 looks good sometimes. 
The Mighty $239 Tesoro pulls through again!
-MM-
P.S. My wife is now mentioning something about buying her a Valentines gift.   

I always look good but when you think so too it worries me... 

very nice!!!! I love that CSN button! You have truley done really well so far this year. I hope that your finds increase!

WTG!! definitely banner worthy!!

The condition on that rare button is crazy.

That is a phenomenal button.

Thanks Plehbah. You should see it in person, it really shines!  I'm wondering if the soil I found it in (dark black & soft) had anything to do with it? Maybe no fertilizers over the years?
The IH I found in the same yard was in great shape too. I know when I've found IH's in farm fields they were usually in pretty rough shape.
-MM-

very nice!!!! I love that CSN button! You have truley done really well so far this year. I hope that your finds increase!

Thankd DF. Maybe because Feb. is my birthday month?    I better go try that yard again. 
-MM-

I just received this link from a fellow MDer and buddy:
http://relicman.com/ButtonConGovNavy.htm
This one is selling for $1100 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
Ya-hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
Thanks Big K.
-Doug-

Great find ModernMiner!!! Harry Ridgeway (Relicman) is an absolute wealth of information if you need any help. 

 Looks like a Banner piece 2 me!

MM,
I was just going to log-on to post some stuff REAL quick, but then I just HAD to read your post!!!!

That is one AMAZING button.  The condition is incredible, I must say the "Southern" stuff usually comes out of the ground in a lot better condition than the "Northern" stuff.  

Excellent job on the pictures, thanks for posting all the different shots.

I too say BANNER!!!!

I just received this link from a fellow MDer and buddy:
http://relicman.com/ButtonConGovNavy.htm
This one is selling for $1100 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
Ya-hoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
Thanks Big K.
-Doug-

Great find ModernMiner!!! Harry Ridgeway (Relicman) is an absolute wealth of information if you need any help. 

 Looks like a Banner piece 2 me!

Thanks KDN and welcome to TN. 
Looking forward to seeing your posts.
-MM-

MM,
I was just going to log-on to post some stuff REAL quick, but then I just HAD to read your post!!!!

That is one AMAZING button.  The condition is incredible, I must say the "Southern" stuff usually comes out of the ground in a lot better condition than the "Northern" stuff.  

Excellent job on the pictures, thanks for post all the different shots.

I too say BANNER!!!!

Thanks DC. 
I'm just glad it still had the gilt, shank, and I didn't scratch it.    I think I better go back & see if there are any other goodies there. 
-MM-

WOOOOWWWW!!

No one can stop the Doug'alicious Express!!    One great post after another!!

Who in the heck needs silver when you've got AWESOME relics in the ground like that beautiful CSN button.    I told you "Relics" is where it's at for you!! 

Congrats, buddy, on yet another spectacular find!!  You're right!!  It's probably your best relic find ever! What a beauty!  That's a BANNER FIND!!

So, what's next?  Maybe a CS beltplate?

HH,
CAPTN SE
Dan

WOOOOWWWW!!

No one can stop the Doug'alicious Express!!    One great post after another!!
Who in the heck needs silver when you've got AWESOME relics in the ground like that beautiful CSN button.    I told you "Relics" is where it's at for you!! 
Congrats, buddy, on yet another spectacular find!!  You're right!!  It's probably your best relic find ever! What a beauty!  That's a BANNER FIND!!
So, what's next?  Maybe a CS beltplate?
HH,
CAPTN SE
Dan

Thanks Big Dan.
You were right. I better stick to relics.    A CS beltplate would be awesome.    Heck, I can't even find an LC, but I get a button like this. You never know what your coil is going to pass over at these old properties. My said said to get my butt back over there and look for the rest of the uniform.    Women, never happy.    (just kiiding ladies, I love ya)
One more "Ya-hooooooooooooooo!" before I go to bed.
-Doug-

          SUPER FIND MM!!! CS52A goes for $1,000+ in excavated condition per the Civil War Collector's Price Guide 11th edition to be replaced in August. That's a BANNER find Bud. HH.

VOL,
You are kidding, right?  If not, I will soon soil myself. Please tell me you're not joking.
-Doug-

Go ahead and soil yourself.  VOL1266-X is right.  It is worth $1000.00+.
Dman

Awesome finds!! I would say the fire truck dates to the 60's, or 70's...had one when I was a kid....
HH
Baggins

Miner is the man!! You have a knack for Confederate buttons!! That may be the best one I have seen in quite some time! Congrats. And, I agree with the others, great job cleaning her up!! Good job all around!!

Keep up the good work!!

HH,
 Sneaky6

Awesome finds!! I would say the fire truck dates to the 60's, or 70's...had one when I was a kid....
HH
Baggins

Thanks Baggins.
The other ones I found were in the 60's too. 
-MM-

Miner is the man!! You have a knack for Confederate buttons!! That may be the best one I have seen in quite some time! Congrats. And, I agree with the others, great job cleaning her up!! Good job all around!!

Keep up the good work!!
HH,
 Sneaky6

Thanks Sneaky.
I couldn't believe the gold left on this one. It must have led a sheltered life. 
-MM-

Congrat's on a Beautiful button Doug.....Just awesome!!! 

excellent cleaning job on that button

i've got to get some naval jelly myself!

Congrats on a great find and making the banner

[God bless our veterans! Thank you for your sacrifices!]

Congrats on the great finds and on making the banner!! 

You really are finding the good stuff this year, my man! 

Congratulations on the banner,it looks good up there!!

Awesome digs!!! Really love to fire truck. That button looks like it was dropped yesterday, really great condition. What a red letter day you had. Thanks for sharing.

   Nice!  I wouldn't part with that one. Money goes way too fast and years down the road all you'll have is a T-net post. 

Great find MM. Congratulations. You've been pretty hot lately. Save something for the rest of us will ya?!       Hogge

i've got to get some naval jelly myself!

Its banned in Europe, I tried.


VERY NICE FIND

MM....Absolutely FANTASTIC button!!! CONGRATS both on the find and for making the banner... Besides the monetary value of the button, that find would be awesome jsut for the historical aspect of it, not sure if I could ever sell it ( I don't sell any of my finds, but that a personal preference)  if I found it for that may be a once in a lifetime find. However thats some serious cash for a button and especially with the economy now, a Grand would definitely help out!!
Congrats again and I am enivous of those of you that are in areas where some nice Confederate relics can be found!!!

            Congrats on making the banner-well deserved. It is obvious that you have spent countless hours of your time and worn out many pairs of boots searching old homesites. WTG and more HH.

It is listed in Albert's book as #CS52A.  I believe it is mid 1800's, but please correct me if I am wrong. 
Any idea of the value of this button?
I think this is my best button find so far. 

It is indeed a beautiful button, but it had to have been made between 1861 and 1865 as it is Confederate.

I do have one question regarding how you say you cleaned it....
Using "Naval Jelly"
I was under the impression that this stuff was used to take the rust off of old iron objects....
and if so it is really a very strong ACID based cleaning agent.

What I would be worried about is not so much where the Gold Plating is...  but any pinholes where there is no plating and this stuff
will carrode regular copper or brass metal.

Where there is gold plating it may be OK, but it might eat holes where there is raw metal showing....
Maybe we should let people know that this is a corrosive agent and should only be used with extreme caution
because you would never want to take a $1000.00 item and turn it into a $100.00 item...

Just my 2 cents....

i've got to get some naval jelly myself!

Its banned in Europe, I tried.


VERY NICE FIND

is there an alternative?

[/quote]

Thanks DC. 
I'm just glad it still had the gilt, shank, and I didn't scratch it.    I think I better go back & see if there are any other goodies there. 
-MM-

[/quote]

If you haven't heard me "preaching" about slowing down, digging everything, and hit it again and again and again, then let me tell you.  It took me over a year to get 8 buttons out of and area about 30' X 30'.  I would hit the area at least once a week, digging every little signal which most turned out to be nails, TONS of them!!! I eventually found all 8 buttons from probably the same coat, North Carolina Military Institute. 
You certainly need to spent a LOT of time in your spot, don't ever give up on it.  The rarity and condition of that button would certainly keep me out there for a long time.

Congrats again, and congrats on making the BANNER!!!

MM,
Congrats on some great finds and the banner.

NJ

Fantastic find!  Nice condition too!!

Awesome button MM, Congratulations!

That is one sweet button! I never saw one before. Nice going!

Nice find.

hmmmm do I see that pretty button up there on the banner??   Congrats!!

i've got to get some naval jelly myself!

Its banned in Europe, I tried.


VERY NICE FIND

is there an alternative?

not that I know of, might be a car rust remover type thing

Great find...nice to see another button on the banner!!!

i've got to get some naval jelly myself!

Its banned in Europe, I tried.


VERY NICE FIND

is there an alternative?

not that I know of, might be a car rust remover type thing

sounds harsh! but then so does naval jelly

amazing! that button is just amazing! big congradulations.

Awesome Finds from that site!!!! Love that banner button.
That square pendant, do you think there were stones in it?

Wonderful find, in fact  it's EXCELLENT!!  Your hedge againt inflation!  Monty

Wow, what a button!  Glad to see it made the BANNER!

Awesome button and post MM, congrats!  I enjoy visiting the old days but glad I didn't live there, LOL, that scarificator is scary!!!   HH, Mike

Can't think of a more deserving TNetter to find such an awesome and valuable piece of history.   

But I'm also entertained by the 'unsexed female dog'...   

Dig it!
Born Free

MM, You deffinately deserved that beautiful button. You've worked hard for it. Congratulations!

Way to go MM awesome finds!!! your on a roll bud keep up the great work

 WoW, what a fantastic button find, the other finds are nice too.

 Congrats on the Banner as well 

 Thanks for sharing.

MM, You deffinately deserved that beautiful button. You've worked hard for it. Congratulations!

indeed

Really great set of finds you made there ModernMiner!  That button cleaned up very well 

[KG6YLL]

Great job on the banner.  Beautiful Button.  Congratulations

KG6YLL

Congrats on the banner doug!!! Hope you find more. See ya around

Congratulations on making the banner Doug, well deserved!

MM,
First of all great finds........you made the banner man!!!
You probably already know this about the Navel Jelly

The naval jelly is Phosphoric Acid, be sure to wear eye protection, long sleeve shirt and rubber gloves. After the rust is removed you can use a wash of water and baking soda to neutralize any remaining acid.

later, g

[Wowie, wow, wow, wow!!!! Before I get started on replying back to some of the comments, I want to say "THANK YOU VERY MUCH" for all your support and to all those that nominated my CSN button for banner. You guys & gals are the BEST!!!]

Wowie, wow, wow, wow!!!!  Before I get started on replying back to some of the comments, I want to say "THANK YOU VERY MUCH" for all your support and to all those that nominated my CSN button for banner. You guys & gals are the BEST!!!
My last couple of weeks detecting have been amazing for sure, and now I'm REALLY hooked. 
Although $1000 is a very large amount of money indeed, I won't part with this beautiful rare button. It will stay in my collection and passed down to my kids. It now resides in my safety deposit box. 
Thanks again everyone,
MM

Awesome button.  I love those old military buttons.  Another banner vote.
Dan

Doug, BIG congrats on your Banner find
That is really a nice site you've been hunting. . . who knows, this might
only be the tip of the iceberg. . . I hope it is and you find many more wonderful things

Take care,
watercolor

Congrat's on a Beautiful button Doug.....Just awesome!!! 

Thanks Joe.
Now all I need is a belt plate to round off the CW collection. 

Can't think of a more deserving TNetter to find such an awesome and valuable piece of history.  
But I'm also entertained by the 'unsexed female dog'...  
Dig it!
Born Free

Born Free,
Thank you for your support. It is very much appreciated. It's been a long time coming, but I finally found a real gem. 
As far as the "Unsexed female dog" tag, I busted up laughing when I dug that up. 
-MM-

MM, You deffinately deserved that beautiful button. You've worked hard for it. Congratulations!

Now you got me blushing CG.    Thank you for the compliment.
-MM-

MM, You deffinately deserved that beautiful button. You've worked hard for it. Congratulations!

indeed

Thank you Cru.    Hopefully there is another one there to be found. 
Cheers,
-Doug-

MM,
First of all great finds........you made the banner man!!!
You probably already know this about the Navel Jelly

The naval jelly is Phosphoric Acid, be sure to wear eye protection, long sleeve shirt and rubber gloves. After the rust is removed you can use a wash of water and baking soda to neutralize any remaining acid.

later, g

Now you tell me!     No wonder the skin on my fingers was peeling today. 
Thanks for the info. I gave the button another good rinsing with water.
-MM-

Doug, BIG congrats on your Banner find
That is really a nice site you've been hunting. . . who knows, this might
only be the tip of the iceberg. . . I hope it is and you find many more wonderful things

Take care,
watercolor

Thanks WC.
I have a lot of area to cover at this new spot. Lots of interesting and different finds showing up already.
-Doug-

   Nice!  I wouldn't part with that one. Money goes way too fast and years down the road all you'll have is a T-net post. 

Very well said IP.
I'm keeping this baby! You're right about money going fast, just ask my teen daughter. 
-MM-

Great find MM. Congratulations. You've been pretty hot lately. Save something for the rest of us will ya?!       Hogge

You think I'm hot now, just wait until you see me in my summer dress!!! 
Thanks Buddy. I'll save you all the ChuckE Cheese tokens. 
-MM-

very nice Doug! You keep rippin them out partner...very nice indeed

outstanding find Miner! congrats both on a fantastic find AND on making the banner!

MM....Absolutely FANTASTIC button!!! CONGRATS both on the find and for making the banner... Besides the monetary value of the button, that find would be awesome jsut for the historical aspect of it, not sure if I could ever sell it ( I don't sell any of my finds, but that a personal preference)  if I found it for that may be a once in a lifetime find. However thats some serious cash for a button and especially with the economy now, a Grand would definitely help out!!
Congrats again and I am enivous of those of you that are in areas where some nice Confederate relics can be found!!!

Thanks MD. Very much appreciated. 
I'm like you. I like the history behind the relics I dig. I don't sell them either. The only items I've sold have been new gold rings I've found, just because I have no real attachment to them. They also help fund more metal detecting equip for me. 
I'm still hoping for a CW belt plate this year. 
-MM-

           Congrats on making the banner-well deserved. It is obvious that you have spent countless hours of your time and worn out many pairs of boots searching old homesites. WTG and more HH.

VOL,
You got that right. Thank God I have a patient wife.  The fruits of my labor are finally paying off. I put in a lot of hours detecting and am lucky enough to live in a state where I can pretty much MD all year round. Old properties are my favorite detecting spots, and they are becoming a lot easier for me to get permission now with the long list of references I have.
Thanks buddy,
MM

It is listed in Albert's book as #CS52A.  I believe it is mid 1800's, but please correct me if I am wrong. 
Any idea of the value of this button?
I think this is my best button find so far. 

It is indeed a beautiful button, but it had to have been made between 1861 and 1865 as it is Confederate.
I do have one question regarding how you say you cleaned it....Using "Naval Jelly"
I was under the impression that this stuff was used to take the rust off of old iron objects....
and if so it is really a very strong ACID based cleaning agent.
What I would be worried about is not so much where the Gold Plating is...  but any pinholes where there is no plating and this stuff
will carrode regular copper or brass metal.
Where there is gold plating it may be OK, but it might eat holes where there is raw metal showing....
Maybe we should let people know that this is a corrosive agent and should only be used with extreme caution
because you would never want to take a $1000.00 item and turn it into a $100.00 item...
Just my 2 cents....

Thanks Torrero.
Very well said. Warnings are always a good idea.
I spoke to a member who recommended the Naval Jelly and he told his finds that he cleaned this way about 15 years ago are still doing fine. As long as you rinse the NJ off well, I would think it would be fine.
I know one thing, it worked great on this button and many of my other ones. 
-MM-

Thanks DC. 
I'm just glad it still had the gilt, shank, and I didn't scratch it.    I think I better go back & see if there are any other goodies there. 
-MM-

[/quote]

If you haven't heard me "preaching" about slowing down, digging everything, and hit it again and again and again, then let me tell you.  It took me over a year to get 8 buttons out of and area about 30' X 30'.  I would hit the area at least once a week, digging every little signal which most turned out to be nails, TONS of them!!! I eventually found all 8 buttons from probably the same coat, North Carolina Military Institute. 
You certainly need to spent a LOT of time in your spot, don't ever give up on it.  The rarity and condition of that button would certainly keep me out there for a long time.

Congrats again, and congrats on making the BANNER!!!
[/quote]

Thanks DC. Point taken. I'll be back over there working that area sloooooow for sure.  The chance of finding two of these in the same spot HAS to be like hitting the lottery. 
-MM-

hmmmm do I see that pretty button up there on the banner??   Congrats!!

You sure do girl.    I'm hoping to see it stay up there for a few weeks I hope. 
Thanks for your replies Cynangyl.
-Doug-

Awesome Finds from that site!!!! Love that banner button.
That square pendant, do you think there were stones in it?

Good eye Lairmo. There were & are a few stones in those five holes. Also, the other side has some large old style initials on it, but the metal is thin & brittle. I was hoping like heck that there would be a coin or tiny picture inside, but all I found was dirt. 
-MM-

Wonderful find, in fact  it's EXCELLENT!!  Your hedge againt inflation!  Monty

Thanks Monty.
I have to make up for my 401K losses somehow. 
-MM-

very nice Doug! You keep rippin them out partner...very nice indeed

Thanks Mike.
You clean out the NC mountain areas, and I'll take care of the Piedmont. 
-Doug-

outstanding find Miner! congrats both on a fantastic find AND on making the banner!

Thanks HP. It's been a while, but I finally did it. 
-MM-

Modern miner in a short time you have become the master,   Excellent find! and cogratulations on the Banner

Modern miner in a short time you have become the master,   Excellent find! and cogratulations on the Banner

Thanks TC.
I owe my good fortune to lots of time in the field, gridding off areas, and going slow. Oh yeah, and location, location, location. 
I wish this were a full time job. 
-MM-