Circa 1790s Eagle and Sun Button. Cobb-unlisted, Albert WI-12 var., DeWitt-GW 1789-36, Baker-1009 var. Brass. Fine.

33.3 mm. Shank lost, with a few faint scratches at what remains of the solder point, speaking to a likely find by someone who didn't completely understand the discovery. This is clearly a ground find, with surfaces granular and dark steel in tone, with traces of brick oxidation in some of the recesses. Despite the history, the details remain pleasantly full, with no challenges in discerning them, which is sometimes the case with grounders. This piece must have been very sharp at the time of loss, and not in the harshest of earthen matrices. An apparently extremely rare variant that was not listed in major references. It is similar to Cobb's #18, but without the additional ornamental indents at the rim. This has only the plain circle just inside the border.

From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex the Dana Linett Collection, 2009.