Notes
This ring is a simple length of copper alloy wiring which is soldered to form a circular core upon which thread or textile swatches were stretched to create cloth covered buttons. In this example, the corrosion of the copper alloy has preserved the impressions of the threads that once were used to cover this button ring. Often, extra fabric material was gathered at the rear to serve as a shank to attach the button to items of clothing. Such textile covered buttons were popular throughout the eighteenth century and would have been used to offset or compliment the textile patterning of clothing such as breeches, waistcoats and even overcoats.
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, but the diameter of this button suggests it was likely too small to be for a coat or waistcoat.
Object Type
ButtonsHas it Been Conserved?
No
Where Was It Found?
Project Site: House for Families [more details]
Material
Manufacturing Technology
Form
Shape
Completeness
Date
18th century
Country of Origin
Dimensions
9.92mm x 0.82mm x 9.92mm (W x H x L)
Illustration shows object in comparison to the size of a quarter
Weight
0.1 gram(s)
Object Number
1800055
DAACS Number
1800055
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.
See All Objects From this Dig