Revolutionary War large “Tombac” button, circa 1750 - 1790

This is another nice button being offered, it is a Revolutionary War era “Tombac” button with a diameter of 1 ¼”, circa 1750 - 1790. Both civilians and militia units used these types of large flat buttons for everyday wear. The earliest dug examples of these buttons were cast of brass and also Tombac.

Tombac is an alloy of copper (84 - 90%) and zinc (10 - 16%) and sometimes the addition of arsenic which produces a white Tombac. The zinc content makes the button surface appear shiny emulating polished silver. They were cheap malleable alloy mainly used for medals, uniform buttons, ornament, decoration, and some munitions.

Early Tombac buttons date to the 17th century (Pimple Types) but most were mass produced in the late 18th century. Many of these flat buttons were engine turned on a lathe, while others were hand engraved with mostly simple designs. This button style was popular during the Revolutionary War period, many came from Britain. This button is non-dug and in very nice condition, just a little rub on the face.