Name/Title
1700s Spanish San Augustin Octagonal Button St. Augustine Florida #2 (94)Description
Original in superb condition. Large coat-size button. Dates approximately to between 1700 and 1740. This is an example of the San Augustin type, but it is an unlisted variant, and it is in a rare size also.
The San Agustín type includes two subtypes: round and octagonal. Both types have flat, usually thick body profiles with steeply beveled outer edges and integrally cast shanks with drilled eyes. Originally lightly gilded, many of these appear to have been made as connected elements that were snapped apart and filed smooth along connection edges after casting. This example has a slight concave "dish" to the reverse. This is an unknown variation, and this is the only example (octagonal) that Robert Merz has ever seen or owned. It is thought these were worn by Spanish naval officers.
Recovered from a Spanish site near St. Augustine, Florida. It is little known, but the Spanish were involved in the Revolutionary War.