Relic Hunting - My Best Finds
USA Continental Army Button, American Revolutionary War, circa 1775-1783
The quest of the American Revolutionary War relics has been a priority #1 for relic hunters in the North-East USA for years. Any Rev War period items such as clothing, weapons, accouterments, tools, and living accessories, associated with the officer and enlisted man in the field are highly desirable collectibles. The Rev War military uniform buttons are not an exception.
I was only a beginner relic hunter when I found this USA button of the Continental Army circa 1777. At that time, my friend and I were relic hunting the slopes of the Hudson River's high bank on the side of Rensselaer County, New York. We were randomly searching the forest floor when I hit the "hot" spot. Along with this button, I recovered a massive bronze signet ring and an amber brooch (you can see their images in Revolutionary War Relics photogallery). It's funny to remember it now, but, until my friend saw and identified my find, I didn't know what a great button I discovered!
Specifications:
Continental Army, General Service, cast pewter, 1-piece with reeded border and a monogram of the initials USA, blank, diameter = 19 mm.(most common marked American soldier's button found)
Sources:
Record Of American Uniform And Historical Buttons by Alphaeus H. Albert, Collector's Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution by George C. Neumann and Frank J. Kravic
More images of Revolutionary War buttons can be seen in Rev War Buttons photogallery.