Hi,
This button is stunning. Regarding the planchet, I wonder what metal or alloy it might be? Oxydized silver perhaps? White metal? Pewter?
Buttons this dark are usually recovered from the water. The happy accident of the surviving gilt design on the blackened metal has created quite the show piece. I hope you are proudly displaying your treasure where it can be seen and admired. With proper lighting of course!
Congratulations. Keep this as a family heirloom and boast about it to your friends. Don't let collectors like me try to steal it from you!
But if it appears on ebay, I 'will' be there...
It makes sense you found this in Connecticut. You should send a photo to Troiani. Maybe he'll include it in the next edition of his book. I've definitively added it to my database.
Best regards,
Jealous in Jersey!!