My first Revolutionary War button!

[Tommy G]

I spent some time yesterday at a late 1700s homesite that I've hunted heavily over the past two years. Just when I think it's hunted out, I manage to find a few goodies; a few flat buttons, musket balls, a clock key, half a locket shaped like a small pocket watch, a small mangled brooch with empty stone insets, and some kind of fancy doodad. The find of the day was an 18th French Infantry Regiment button that was a nice surprise, my first Rev War button!




Taking full advantage of the ridiculously warm weather we've had here in Virginia. Hope you all are having similar luck. Take care, and thanks for checking out the post.

 

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[Tommy G]

Killer button Tommy! Keep hitting that place. I have been relentlessly pounding a spot for nearly 2 years now and still squeezing stuff out.

Thanks, OutdoorAdv. This particular spot is only about 5 miles from my house and the owner lets me come and go as I please - so even as the relics become tougher to find, I will continue to hit it regularly. Its just too convenient!

 

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[rebbel31]

Nice piece of history sir. Congrats.

 

[hogge]

Good one! Congrats

 

[smokeythecat]

I am 100% percent this is a good one. The French 18th Regiment was one of the main regiments that came with Count Rochambeau to America. They marched from Rhode Island, past New York, and engaged the British with the American Army at Yorktown. This style button first started being used at the time of the American Revolution. Apparently, some 18th century left overs are being found in the West Indies and Europe by detectorists these days. They were re-used during the Napoleonic Wars (1812 period). I have even seen old French and Indian Wars buttons being reported from the French sites in Europe. I found some of the F&I buttons on the Brandywine Battlefield a long time ago. The F&I type buttons were not really made past the 1760's, so we have buttons that were manufactured ca 1755 being found on a site which dates 22 years later. By the 1820's to 1830's the French changed their manufacturing styles at least twice. Nice saves.

If you want to "read all about it" get the humongous set of books entitled "The American Campaigns of Rochambeau's Army". Out of print, and can get pricey but it gives the backstory of the French Army's movements through America while they were here. Including detailed maps of the camps.

 

[Tommy G]

I am 100% percent this is a good one. The French 18th Regiment was one of the main regiments that came with Count Rochambeau to America. They marched from Rhode Island, past New York, and engaged the British with the American Army at Yorktown. This style button first started being used at the time of the American Revolution. Apparently, some 18th century left overs are being found in the West Indies and Europe by detectorists these days. They were re-used during the Napoleonic Wars (1812 period). I have even seen old French and Indian Wars buttons being reported from the French sites in Europe. I found some of the F&I buttons on the Brandywine Battlefield a long time ago. The F&I type buttons were not really made past the 1760's, so we have buttons that were manufactured ca 1755 being found on a site which dates 22 years later. By the 1820's to 1830's the French changed their manufacturing styles at least twice. Nice saves.

If you want to "read all about it" get the humongous set of books entitled "The American Campaigns of Rochambeau's Army". Out of print, and can get pricey but it gives the backstory of the French Army's movements through America while they were here. Including detailed maps of the camps.

Thanks for the great info, Smokey. In my short internet search, I found mention of the Yorktown engagement; but you've added a lot of nice info. Much appreciated.

 

[smokeythecat]

I just checked Amazon, there are a few copies available if anybody wants the backstory. Books weigh about 10 pounds!

 

[Scrappy]

Nice info Smokey! Wayyy cool button!

 

[smokeythecat]

I used the books not only to find several of the military camps once upon a time ago, plus the nearby houses! Good stuff.

 

[Wildcat1750]

Congratulations on a very special button find!

 

[Relicific]

Congrats on that sweet button

 

[Patriot Relics]

Congrats on your first Rev War button, not an easy dig for sure and condition is great

 

[DownNDirty]

Congratulations on a great find! That button is in exceptional condition.

 

[Tommy G]

Congrats on your first Rev War button, not an easy dig for sure and condition is great

Thanks, VMI. It's nice to be able to join another club!

 

[Tommy G]

Congratulations on a great find! That button is in exceptional condition.

Thanks, DnD. This one was pretty deep and sealed in clay. I think that helped a lot!

 

[Rick (Nova Scotia)]

Thanks, DnD. This one was pretty deep and sealed in clay. I think that helped a lot!

Yes real nice condition on that one. Congrats on an excellent find.

I think your right about heavy clay helping, holds moisture longer making for fewer wet / dry cycles. I got 4 or 5 coppers in my first or second year detecting from a heavy clay, I never posted them as they were "too good" looking for near 200 year old dug copper coins.