Notes
Bone button molds were disks cut from animal bone, often identifiable by the presence of a single central hole created by a cutting tool during production. The bone disk often served as the back of a two part button. In this button form, the face of the button was commonly comprised of a stamped metal sheeting, usually some form of copper alloy, which would be crimped onto the back along the beveled edge of the bone back, clearly visible in this example. Often in these cases, a small length of copper wire would be bent through the central hole of the bone disk to serve as a shank. Despite missing the metal facing, the beveled edge of this bone disk and the presence of copper staining near the central hole are clear evidence this button is of the two part stamped metal variety. This button back also appears to be embellished with a radiating sunburst pattern carved into the back face of the button.
In the eighteenth century, buttons came in a variety of shapes and sizes. Sometimes this variation can be used to identify which articles of clothing a button may have been used in the past. The diameter of this button suggests it was possibly for use on a coat.
Object Type
ButtonsHas it Been Conserved?
No
Where Was It Found?
Project Site: House for Families [more details]
Material
Manufacturing Technology
Form
Shape
Completeness
Decorative Technology
Decorative Notes
Faint sunburst design on exterior face of button back
Date
Country of Origin
Dimensions
20.16mm x 2.39mm x 20.21mm (W x H x L)
Illustration shows object in comparison to the size of a quarter
Weight
1.1 gram(s)
Object Number
1787606
DAACS Number
1787606
Project: House for Families
The structure identified as the “House for Families” on the 1787 Vaughan plan likely housed the majority of the enslaved population living at the Mansion House Farm for much of the second half of the eighteenth century. The building was in existence from circa 1760 until it was demolished in late 1792 or early 1793. The archaeological evidence for the structure consisted of a brick-lined storage cellar (44FX762/40-47) measuring roughly six feet by six feet. Historically the cellar served as a handy trash receptacle once it ceased to be used for its original storage function, and through extensive excavation has yielded an extremely rich assemblage of household refuse. The analysis of these remains offers the opportunity to study important aspects of the daily lives of Mount Vernon's enslaved community.
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