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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. 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


Has it Been Conserved?

Yes


Where Was It Found?

Project Site: House for Families [more details]


Material

Copper/Copper Alloy


Manufacturing Technology

Drawn


Form

Ring


Shape

Round


Completeness

Incomplete


Decorative Technology

Plated


Date

18th century


Country of Origin

England


Dimensions

9.91mm x 0.74mm x 9.91mm (W x H x L)


Illustration shows object in comparison to the size of a quarter


Weight

0.1 gram(s)


Object Number

1802415

DAACS Number

1802415


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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