Pewter Button ID help?

[relicmeister]

Also posted in colonial artifact forum, I’m hoping to get a lead on the ID of this pewter button I found in one of my colonial areas. 8-side star with little number “17” on top of larger letter “LD” under the number. Could it be a militia button? Has anyone seen a similar style before?
Found it last year and it has always intrigued me.

Thanks for the look

 

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[nhbenz]

I would guess the LD stands for Light Dragoons. Nice find!

 

[A2coins]

Thats sweet

 

[Hawks88]

Nice save. Congrats

 

[nhbenz]

Here’s some info.: 17th Light Dragoons in North America: Uniform, Equipment and Tack requirements for the unit.

 

[fishstick]

Here’s some info.: 17th Light Dragoons in North America: Uniform, Equipment and Tack requirements for the unit.
View attachment 1653215

DAMN you're GOOD Benz!!!!!!!

 

[relicmeister]

Thank you so much! I must admit I’m rather surprised about that. Why would this be found near several colonial 1720-1790 homesites in New Jersey? A settler that served in the 17th regiment of the L D?
Would there be any relationship to the Rev war?

 

[relicmeister]

Ok, I read that the 17th spent the summer of 1779 in upstate New York and were in Philadelphia as well so I answered my own question in the affirmative.

 

[jewelerguy]

awesome historical relic. congrats!

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Great find, now you know... "The rest of the story".

Dave

 

[Ozark Redneck]

Congratulations great find and information

 

[grasshopper]

Here you go.

Nice find!!!

 

[grasshopper]

Also, I've found many military buttons and buckles at home sites far away from any military activity.

Back then, military uniforms were utilitarian and often the warmest article of clothing someone had. People probably wore them til they wore out.