06/02/2026
We had the great privilege of exploring one of Needham's most historic properties on Sunday—and indeed, our oldest permission to date.
Although the lot is only a small fraction of what it once was, it still yielded some exciting surprises, including—believe it or not—our third Three Merry Widows “rubber prophylactic” tin lid! This one, however, was the first to actually spell out the three Roaring 20s widows: Agnes, Mabel, and Beckie. Mark was certainly charmed by the find, as (we hope) was the property owner!
The very first find of the day, however, proved to be by far the oldest: an 1820s–1840s U.S.-made civilian one-piece flat button. Its backmark, though heavily worn, faintly depicts a scrawny eagle (much like those found on the coins of the era) along with the words “BEST QUALITY.” Most mass-produced buttons during the Federal period were actually made in Great Britain, as our young nation lacked the industrial capacity to produce them in large numbers. But renewed Anglophobia in the wake of the War of 1812, coupled with tariffs and expanding industrialization, led to a sharp rise in domestic production by the 1820s and 1830s. We believe this button dates to that transition period, with the eagle denoting its early American manufacture.
For nearly two centuries, that button may have been waiting patiently to see the light of day again—and on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, it finally did. We thank the property owner for a wonderful day and hope these finds help add a new dimension to the story of an extraordinary home.
Videos of these two standout recoveries will be shared later this month...stay tuned!
