"No Stamp Act 1766" Buttons

My son and I went back to the early 1700's  site today. My 12yo son is killing me, button after button 
Then I got a bouncy 20-24 on the 70, and behold the first of two (three really, one is a half button) "No Stamp Act 1766" buttons come out of the ground after a looooong rest. They look to be pewter and very dirty, but with very good detail. We soaked them in warm water, dried them well and here they are. I couldnt find any info online, and was hoping the crew here could help us out. Thanks in advance!

Is it William Pitt? 

Yes, it's a William Pitt button.  Another one was reported here about five years ago:

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,3123.0.html

Yikes! Well, I guess this has to go down as a top MDing day for us. The last three weeks I couldn't find the ocean if I was at the beach   Do these have any value other than the historical that is obvious to us now that we know what they are, thanks to you folks. We have found a bunch of colonial buttons, but none with the significance of these, and it's got the date on it to boot. Thanks

"He has one of the first known American political buttons ever produced. Made in 1766, it is a metal clothing button with a raised profile of William Pitt (the former British prime minister who spoke passionately against taxing Americans without representation) with the words “No Stamp Act” embossed on it."

Found here under "The collectors". GREAT FIND!

http://discoverypub.com/feature/2008_01political.html

Another interesting read, enjoy!

http://www.history.org/Almanack/life/politics/pitt.cfm

I think Pittsburgh, formerly Fort Pitt, was named after him.

I was able to get some "better" pictures 

I`m not sure of the value the buttons may have but I would suggest not cleaning them
until you can get it figured out, even the broken button may hold some value.

(A nice, clean & dry hiding place may be in order)

Great pics! 

Holy !@$#!

You have uncovered history, man.

These are fine buttons, with significance, and relevance.

What you see on the face of them is pretty much what you get. You know what they are, you have dated them.

You found three of these?

Welcome to TreasureNet, and welcome to the banner.

Banner Buttons

Awesome finds!!! Congrats  I am nt sure what they are worth, but historically speaking they make for a fantastic find!! Congrats on the banner as well!! 

Congratulations on your banner find from such early American history. Very deserving to see it up on top. Way to go 
TnMountains

Thanks for the banner guys! I don't know when we are gonna stop smiling, and the best part is that we both got one

Great to see you make the banner! How about a pic of you and your son?! 

Awesome!  Congrats on the banner finds.  You can certainly count yourself among a very tiny group of people who have ever unearthed one of these buttons.

Just incredible.

Jim

Absolutely INCREDIBLE!!! Plehbah is right.......There are probably more there in the immediate vacinity. Take your time and excavate. Congratulations!!!     Hogge

These buttons are so rare, that if you found three, I think it is reasonable to assume that you have found the remains of a discarded jacket. It is very likely in my opinion that there may very well be at least two more in the vicinity. With as rare as these buttons are, it is well worth your time to work especially hard to try to locate them. Dig every peep, and every piece of iron that could be masking them. If they were deep to begin with, try removing six inches of overburden. It is worth it. If you are finding examples of the Pitt Stamp Act buttons, old copper coins and the likes are no comparison.

Great advice and I agree completely!!! Hit that area hard and often and take your time and grid it out and  cover it from different directions, then keep going back and hit it again and again!!!
Congrats again on a fantastic rare find!!!

  UNBELIEVABLE BANNER FIND !!! 
Congrats on a great piece of history.
-MM-

Congratulations on the banner finds!!

Marcia  the treasure_lady

These buttons are so rare, that if you found three, I think it is reasonable to assume that you have found the remains of a discarded jacket. It is very likely in my opinion that there may very well be at least two more in the vicinity. With as rare as these buttons are, it is well worth your time to work especially hard to try to locate them. Dig every peep, and every piece of iron that could be masking them. If they were deep to begin with, try removing six inches of overburden. It is worth it. If you are finding examples of the Pitt Stamp Act buttons, old copper coins and the likes are no comparison.

I was just getting ready to say pretty much the same thing.


And especially since you have recovered examples with the shanks still attached.  I have little doubt that we are dealing with a discarded jacket here.



Congratulations on a well-deserved Banner appearance.  These buttons blow the GW Inaugurals out of the water.  You are dealing with some Very valuable finds here.




Regards,



Buckleboy

WOW!!!!!!  I am a button fanatic...and these make my eyes druel!!!!!!  WTG!!!!  

Congrats on Banner...well earned..and let us know if you find more...AWESOME!

HH, Hank

Write to the following person who handles early American items for the noted Cowans Auction house. If you send her photos she will be able to determine approx value without any obligation...

Katie Landrigan
Cowan's Auctions, Inc.
6270 Este Avenue
Cincinnati, OH. 45232
513-871-1670 (Ext46)
katie@cowans.com
www.cowans.com

WOW...CONGRATULATIONS on your great find.
An unforgettable day for you and your son.

Paul

I think this find is so amazing. It should be up on the banner first slot perminately, or for at least for 10 or 20 years.
Marty

Man o man, you guys (and gals) are the best! You watch the board and see all the wonderful and amazing finds over time, and think "why not us"? Well today will tough to beat. Thank you all for the heartfelt pats on the back

http://www.sothebys.com/

Had to post this link. 

put those buttons in a safe!

Congratulations to you and your son
on such a spectacular and wonderfull
 finds and making the banner.

This from the site Blacksheep posted...

Demont is one of the foremost collectors and appraisers of rare coins and Americana, and president of the North Star chapter of APIC (American Political Items Collectors) for the states of Minnesota, Western Wisconsin, parts of the Dakotas and Iowa. He also owns Historic Americana Investments.

He has one of the first known American political buttons ever produced. Made in 1766, it is a metal clothing button with a raised profile of William Pitt (the former British prime minister who spoke passionately against taxing Americans without representation) with the words “No Stamp Act” embossed on it.

“It is very similar to one produced by Paul Revere. It was the spark for the Revolution!” Demont said.”

Yes, that Revolution, the one that gave us the right of Freedom of Speech that started this whole hobby.

While Demont is a high-end collector, he insists that this hobby is for everyone. Alan Beam proves Demont’s point.

I also did a web search and only
 one other item with the No Stamp Act logo on it...it is a tea pot that is now in the SMITHSONIAN.....
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-...-objects-200811.html?c=y&page=2

Once again, those buttons are an AWESOME find and as suggested by others...DON'T clean them any further and put and keep them in a safe place, for they could be VERY valuable. Hope you find some more of em when you get back there!! 

This is one of those amazing finds that words simply cannot describe. Sure, you could go out and find a gold coin, or a cache of silver in a jar somewhere; and while being a great find, would not carry too much historical value. What you've found is handheld, tangible, proof of the demonstrations and revolt that ultimately lead to the Revolution. It absolutely is from the same fabric that shaped the country into what we all love today. I'm in total agreeance that the historical value of your buttons is overwhelming. Major kudos to you and your son. I'd build a screen and sift wherever those came from so as to not miss a thing.....

I'm afraid that after turning this post on first, I have no stomach left to look at anybody else's finds. You have ruined my morning coffee/treasurenet fantasy hour....I guess I'll just go out and dig.

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND YOUR SON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ABSOLUTELY A STUNNING, SPECIAL, STUPENDOUS, HISTORICAL, MAGICAL FIND(s)

Congratulations to you and your son on both the buttons and the Banner.

And I must say, plehbah speaks words of great wisdom.

pictures, pictures,

       deeper    deeper 

                     pictures ................

Mike 

  Great piece of American history and if it ever goes to auction make sure it's at one with relics and early American coins. Most of Cobb's GW collection was apparently purchased by deep pocketed coin collectors. Of course there is a William Pitt Halfpenny which gives a connection.

   Well deserving of the banner.

   

[AWESOME]

Wouldn't you know it ,I stay away from the computer for two days and something like this happens.I don't know what else to say everybody that posted before me has said everything that there is to say,so I will just say one word.
AWESOME

One other thing Congrats on a well deserved banner and CHA-CHING$$$$$$$$$$$$$


fortbball9

An amazing and historical find...truely awesome in every sense of the word!

Wow, I wish it was me, Congradulations.

Now that is sweet.  Go out and find the rest of the coat!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't want to sound shallow, but does anyone have an idea on the value and the number of them that are known?

Thanks,
Jon Dickinson.

congrats on finding an awesome part of American history !!!!

I am truly ashamed to say that I don't comment on a lot of the magnificent finds that get displayed at the top, but I felt I cannot be a lurker on this one. Congratulations to you and your son on one of the most remarkable finds I'm certain I'll see buttonwise. As Buckleboy stated above, these blow the GW Inaugurals out of the water.

A second congratulations solely to you, for getting your son into this wonderful hobby. I'm really glad you could both participate in a find of such historical significance.

Also as stated above, I'd be out there where those were dug with a sifter setup and a fine tooth comb! 3 out of however many and that ain't bad, but thats an opportunity to not pass up!!

Congratulations again on an extremely remarkable recovery!

J.R. Sherman

WOW Great find!! I think I would be back out there diggin even imaginary beeps..lol..
If you can remember where the broken one came from go over that hole with a fine tooth detector... maybe you could find the broken bits and complete or mostly complete the third, and possibly find some more of those great buttons.
Great!!

Huge Congrats on the find and the Banner. I'm so close, yet so far. Totally awesome!!

Wow...these are truly amazing buttons and what a great part of history. Congrats on finding 2 1/2 buttons and the banner.  Now get back there and look for more....

NJ

What an incredible find!!  So much history, I would have had a heart attack!
WTG!
Baggins

Words like 'Unbelievable' and 'Incredible' aren't up to this task.  Sweet Jeebus, that items of this monumental rarity sat underground this long in a particular spot, and then you brought them to the light!!!

I think, scaling down from 'average antiquity' of European finds, this is on a par with Crusader's recent Henry I penny in terms of local rarity!

What the heck..  INCREDIBLE!!!   I hope you get rich and pretty famous from this!

A big massive congrats on your Historical find, don't know much about your find apart from the obvious  ::)but it seems like you have found the equivalent of hens teeth

words can't discribe getting to see a find lie this

ty for posting

congrats on your historic find

Absolutely amazing finds!    I'm with the others here, get out there and dig it all!  Thanks for sharing that hunt with us. Many congrats to you!!!

                                          Nana 

absolutely incredible!! and THREE!!  you deserve to be basking in congratulations!! ENJOY!

YEYYYYY I'm so HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!

Other than what these BRILLIAN T-Netters have told you about them, let us know what you else you find out, value, ect...i'd love to know.

WAY TO GO!!!!  BIG ^5!

Banner Bump!

Best of bump!   

YEYYYYY I'm so HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!

Other than what these BRILLIAN T-Netters have told you about them, let us know what you else you find out, value, ect...i'd love to know.

WAY TO GO!!!!  BIG ^5!

I second that.  Have you found any more info on them?

I don't mean to negate or minimize anyone's finds here...  But it is sad to me that these incredible finds received only 50 or so replies, while a 1916-D dime has accumulated over 160 replies in one week's time.


I'm bumping this thread up.  The finds deserve more.   



Best Wishes,



Buckles

I don't mean to negate or minimize anyone's finds here...  But it is sad to me that these incredible finds received only 50 or so replies, while a 1916-D dime has accumulated over 160 replies in one week's time.


I'm bumping this thread up.  The finds deserve more.   



Best Wishes,



Buckles

I agree Buckles.  IMHO, this is arguably the most significant metal detecting find I have ever seen on the forum.  If those were my finds, I would DEFINITELY be in contact with the Smithsonian.  I would be proud if one of my metal detecting finds was on display in Washington DC.

Congrats again.

I don't mean to negate or minimize anyone's finds here...  But it is sad to me that these incredible finds received only 50 or so replies, while a 1916-D dime has accumulated over 160 replies in one week's time.


I'm bumping this thread up.  The finds deserve more.   



Best Wishes,



Buckles

Agreed, I do not not think the lack of interest is intentional, more along the lines that the buttons are not only an obscure historical item but so rare people are not sure just how to approach it.

One could liken this find to winning the powerball lottery, three times. That being said I hope others will take a few moments to acknowledge this incredible find. 

I don't mean to negate or minimize anyone's finds here...  But it is sad to me that these incredible finds received only 50 or so replies, while a 1916-D dime has accumulated over 160 replies in one week's time.


I'm bumping this thread up.  The finds deserve more.   



Best Wishes,



Buckles

I agree....while I would be THRILLED to find a 16D Merc and think it is an awesome find, there were 264,000 of them minted...how many of these Stamp Act buttons were made? For most in this hobby...Coins are King and thus they will get the majority of notice when a key (or especially gold) coin is found.
I do think it is sad that more people don;t notice and realize the historical significance of a find like these buttons, however the 50 plus replies it has recieved would have been lucky to have been 20 replies a few years ago. Thus while buttons and relics still don;t get the attention the coins do...they are getting more and more interest and attention shown towards them, and deservedly so!! 

I agree....I would rather find a historic relic then a key date coin (unless the key date would pay off my house...lol). 

I think it is just a knowledge gap.  If you post in the title a 16D Merc then most likely 99% of the people on T-Net will know what it is and what it is worth.  Then post the "No Stamp Act 1766" button and that same 99% of the people will not know what that is or how rare it is.  Before I started detecting I knew lots of people that collected coins but not one that collected buttons.

I do feel these buttons are banner worthy but I don't run the site, hell I'm not even a Charter Member so I'm just glad they allow me to nose around in here.  Over the last few years this site has given me an education that I could never get elsewhere.  I've developed a appreciation of buttons and actually love finding them while hunting.  In time the other T-Net members will come around to become fans of the mighty button.

Again congrats on three amazing buttons or should I say 2 and 1/2.

NJ

WOW!!  I had no idea that such absolutely wonderful rarities could really be found....of course Mel Fisher(RIP) is somewhere knowingly smiling on this one.

Dave

Enough value here in this post to put a down payment on a HOUSE.


This is the best item, value-wise, on the banner right now--hands down.



Congratulations again,



Buckles

[Did you return & look for the rest?]

Did you return & look for the rest? 

Go slow, if you do return!

We have been back to the site a couple of times, no other "1766" buttons, but we got our first coins there, 1749 Farthing and Halfpence, and my son found a 1787/88 Connecticut copper.
We decided to give the land owner one of the complete buttons. They are great folks who still operate a small family farm that has been in the family for about 100 years. The value on the buttons is hard to pin down, there really in no significant documentation on them, and there have been none recently sold to use as a benchmark. 
This was our first find of such rare items.  It is a strange and wonderful thing to be able to hold a piece of early American history in your hand and realize that this was the beginning of our country's fight for Independence.
Thanks to all for the kind words and informative posts.
Kevin

I was watching the Antiques Roadshow on PBS and I saw an appraiser that deals with military buttons. Well, I found his website, E mailed him pictures of your buttons, and asked him if he had any information on them or an idea of their value. That was on Thursday. If I get any info back, Ill be sure to post it.

Have you considered going back to the same area where you found those at and getting (or making) an archeological screen and digging deeper with a shovel and screening the dirt?
Who knows, there may be some other stuff that is deeper than your detector may pick up.

Congrats on the incredible find!

We have been back to the site a couple of times, no other "1766" buttons, but we got our first coins there, 1749 Farthing and Halfpence, and my son found a 1787/88 Connecticut copper.
We decided to give the land owner one of the complete buttons. They are great folks who still operate a small family farm that has been in the family for about 100 years. The value on the buttons is hard to pin down, there really in no significant documentation on them, and there have been none recently sold to use as a benchmark. 
This was our first find of such rare items.  It is a strange and wonderful thing to be able to hold a piece of early American history in your hand and realize that this was the beginning of our country's fight for Independence.
Thanks to all for the kind words and informative posts.
Kevin

Kudos for giving one to the land-owner, well done sir!! 

This is what the hobby is all about way to go.

I am just now finding this post. But that is one great find. I love to find old coins. But finding the old buttons and other relics can be so much better then any coin find. Find of a life time for sure. congrats to you and your son. 

MAiner

Banner!! I have not been particularily interested in buttons.  This post has definately changed the color of my glasses.  I have no Idea of the value.  It must be large due to the coherent reply by"Plebah".  I wish you and your son well and Happy Hunting.  Hope you find additional buttons at the same location.  In reply to giving one of the buttons to the landowner this is in the mold of what the Brittish do and has had many returns of the positive nature.  This is such an extreme credit to our hobby you make us proud to share your experience and hobby. HHHH

Yeah, I gotta look at this every day or two, keeps me hoping and dreaming.

WOW,
Speechless here!

   BEST OF!   

I would encourage the landowner to donate them to the Smithsonian.... I'm sure there arent many out there, plus there may be a huge tax writeoff coming with the donation...

Alan

I think that I should pass on some of this info that I got out of my daughter's history book.   It may help shed some light for those like me that had forgotten anything they once knew about The Stamp Act:
 

After Parliament passed the Sugar Act in 1764, Grenville announced his intention to extend to America the stamp duties-already imposed in England- on every newspaper, pamphlet, almanac, legal document, liquor license, college diploma, pack of playing cards, and pair of dice.  He gave the colonies a year to suggest alternative ways of raising revenue.  The colonies objected, but none provided another plan.  Knowing that colonial property taxes were low compared with those in England,  Grenville drove the bill through Parliament.  The Stamp Act became effective in November, 1765.

To make a long story short, it didn't go over well.  Stamp Act Riots followed planting seeds for the Revolution..

wow this is a grate fine. you should put something on that pewter to preserve it so it dont flake away. I never seen those before.


deap

Wow those are some beautiful buttons!!  Any new info on them?

An auction site where I have purchased rare coins has one of these that was auctioned for $8962.  That might help give SOME idea of what the buttons are worth.  If you have two?  Who knows what it would do to the value!

http://historical.ha.com/common/vie...m.php?Sale_No=6032&Lot_No=47109

$8900+

wow...

my buddy found one of these 10 feet behind me. i think he sold his for $8 grand. I bet he could have gotten more because it looked like it was just made aside from the olive patina. i'll try to find a picture.

 This is a Banner find,  Awesome job finding these !
These buttons are a once in a lifetime find .  Just WoW .

Here is the one my buddy found...

Here is the one my buddy found...

A dug 240-year-old pewter button could not survive with this level of detail. I believe your friend found a reproduction. I also see discrepencies between the two. This said, I'd still love to dig a repro of something this fantastic. This is just my humble opinion.     

Here is the one my buddy found...

A dug 240-year-old pewter button could not survive with this level of detail. I believe your friend found a reproduction. I also see discrepencies between the two. This said, I'd still love to dig a repro of something this fantastic. This is just my humble opinion.      

Pfft... The saddest part is I was just feet from him when he dug it.

It WAS/IS real, and is spectacular!

It WAS/IS real, and is spectacular!

What makes you certain it's real? My assessment isn't based on any knowledge of this particular button (I have none); just my knowledge that pewter does pitifully under ground. Unless colonists owned vacuum sealers, this near-mint condition button cannot be authentic. Your buttons are authentic in my and everyone else's opinion. Gwdigger's buddy's button is a reproduction. I'll even send a free Riker case to the first person who convinces me otherwise (and, yes, I can be convinced).   

My initial post led you (and me) astray. The button is made of copper or brass. Comparing mine and the photo provided, they are the same, but I do understand your post, pewter would have been toast.

My initial post led you (and me) astray. The button is made of copper or brass. Comparing mine and the photo provided, they are the same, but I do understand your post, pewter would have been toast.

Thanks, that lessens the confusion. So is your button copper or brass?

It WAS/IS real, and is spectacular!

What makes you certain it's real? My assessment isn't based on any knowledge of this particular button (I have none); just my knowledge that pewter does pitifully under ground. Unless colonists owned vacuum sealers, this near-mint condition button cannot be authentic. Your buttons are authentic in my and everyone else's opinion. Gwdigger's buddy's button is a reproduction. I'll even send a free Riker case to the first person who convinces me otherwise (and, yes, I can be convinced).    

I thought you were kidding about it being fake. Your assessment?   This button is copper or brass, not pewter. Its a 15 minute ride out to the farm field where found. A field on a creek where no newer items were found. Unless someone went and planted a modern copy out in the middle of nowhere, it is the real deal.

It WAS/IS real, and is spectacular!

What makes you certain it's real? My assessment isn't based on any knowledge of this particular button (I have none); just my knowledge that pewter does pitifully under ground. Unless colonists owned vacuum sealers, this near-mint condition button cannot be authentic. Your buttons are authentic in my and everyone else's opinion. Gwdigger's buddy's button is a reproduction. I'll even send a free Riker case to the first person who convinces me otherwise (and, yes, I can be convinced).    

I thought you were kidding about it being fake. Your assessment?   This button is copper or brass, not pewter. Its a 15 minute ride out to the farm field where found. A field on a creek where no newer items were found. Unless someone went and planted a modern copy out in the middle of nowhere, it is the real deal.

Amigo, you need to take that 15 min ride out there and start laying a grid. You never know there may be another there.
M@J, I had to comment on these finds. I sorta lurked and drooled for some time, but enough is enough. A hearty congrats my friend. BTW, did you sell them? I figure not, at least not yet but I could be wrong. If you still have them could you post a couple more pics? I would love to see em again. OH yeah, BANNER BUMP AND THEN SOME!!!

It WAS/IS real, and is spectacular!

What makes you certain it's real? My assessment isn't based on any knowledge of this particular button (I have none); just my knowledge that pewter does pitifully under ground. Unless colonists owned vacuum sealers, this near-mint condition button cannot be authentic. Your buttons are authentic in my and everyone else's opinion. Gwdigger's buddy's button is a reproduction. I'll even send a free Riker case to the first person who convinces me otherwise (and, yes, I can be convinced).    

I thought you were kidding about it being fake. Your assessment?   This button is copper or brass, not pewter. Its a 15 minute ride out to the farm field where found. A field on a creek where no newer items were found. Unless someone went and planted a modern copy out in the middle of nowhere, it is the real deal.

Amigo, you need to take that 15 min ride out there and start laying a grid. You never know there may be another there.
M@J, I had to comment on these finds. I sorta lurked and drooled for some time, but enough is enough. A hearty congrats my friend. BTW, did you sell them? I figure not, at least not yet but I could be wrong. If you still have them could you post a couple more pics? I would love to see em again. OH yeah, BANNER BUMP AND THEN SOME!!!

Here is the original post when found:

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,3123.0.html

Do you mean the Pitt button? Sadly, that site was developed into cheesy $350,000 cookie cutter homes. My buddy found the button and eventually sold it for big money. Had the button authenticated and sold it to some collector for $8k. In fact, the collector already had one but this one was far better.

You can see a larger pic here:

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,77495.0.html