History and Significance of Military Artillery Buttons for Metal Detecting Enthusiasts

The History and Significance of Artillery Buttons

For those who enjoy metal detecting and unearthing fragments of history, few finds are as exciting as stumbling upon an antique artillery button. These buttons have a rich history intertwined with major military conflicts of the 18th and 19th centuries. When found today, they provide a tangible connection to the soldiers who fought in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the American Civil War.

What Are Artillery Buttons?

Artillery buttons are round buttons sewn onto military uniforms to denote membership in specific artillery units. They often feature the insignia or emblem of the unit, along with the number or letter used to identify that unit. For example, buttons from an artillery unit in the Revolutionary War might feature a cannon and the number “2” to show they belonged to the 2nd Continental Artillery Regiment.

These types of buttons were used to fasten coats and jackets and served a functional purpose, while also communicating the soldier's unit affiliation. They were commonly made of pewter, brass or occasionally silver, and ranged in size from about 1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter.

Artillery Units in the Revolutionary War

Artillery played a vital role in the American Revolutionary War, allowing the Continental Army to counter British forces equipped with superior numbers of infantry soldiers and warships. Battles often hinged on which side could bring more firepower to bear.

To meet this need, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of artillery units within the Continental Army. Some notable artillery outfits that saw action during the Revolutionary War include:

• Knox's Artillery Regiment - Formed by Henry Knox in 1776 using cannons captured at Fort Ticonderoga. They went on to fight at Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine and Yorktown.
• 2nd Continental Artillery Regiment - Active throughout the war at battles like Monmouth, Springfield and Yorktown under the command of Colonel John Lamb.
• 4th Continental Artillery Regiment - Led by Colonel Thomas Proctor, fought at Germantown, Monmouth and Yorktown.

Finding a Revolutionary War artillery button from one of these units provides a direct link to the brave artillerymen who battled the British. The buttons often feature a cannon insignia along with the unit number in the center.

War of 1812 Artillery Buttons

During the War of 1812, U.S. artillery batteries faced off against their British counterparts in engagements along the Canadian border, coastal regions and in the South. The U.S. Army's artillery arm was expanded during the war, fielding a total of 56 companies.

Some artillery units that had prominent roles during this conflict include:

• 1st U.S. Artillery Regiment - Saw action at the Battle of Crysler's Farm and Fort Erie among others.
• 2nd U.S. Artillery Regiment - Fought in the capture of Fort George and later was part of the force defending Baltimore.
• 3rd U.S. Artillery Regiment - Present at the Battle of Chippawa and other Niagara frontier engagements.

War of 1812 artillery buttons often have the number of the artillery company on them instead of a unit number. They provide insight into a war that is sometimes overlooked but helped cement American independence.

Artillery of the American Civil War

During the Civil War, field artillery took on a role of vast strategic importance, contributing greatly to the outcome of key battles and campaigns. Huge numbers of artillery pieces were amassed by both sides. The Union fielded over 4,000 cannons and mortars while the Confederates had around 3,300.

Some noteworthy artillery units of the Civil War included:

• 1st Rhode Island Light Artillery - Fought in the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac from Bull Run to Appomattox.
• Battery A, 2nd U.S. Artillery - An elite Regular Army battery active in the Eastern Theater.
• Rowan Artillery, North Carolina - A Confederate battery named for Colonel William Rowan. It fought in Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg.

Civil War artillery buttons often depicted the branch symbol of crossed cannons. Confederate buttons may display the letters "A" for artillery or "CA" for cavalry artillery. These buttons provide insight into the artillerymen who served on both sides of the conflict.

Finding and Identifying Artillery Buttons

For today's metal detectorists and history enthusiasts, there's an undeniable thrill that comes from locating one of these brass or pewter buttons lost so long ago. Carefully digging it from the soil, gently cleaning it, and identifying the unit it represents provides a powerful link to the past.

When identifying an artillery button, some key things to look for include:

• The number or letter on the button, which indicates the specific battery or regiment.
• The insignia depicted, such as cannons, which shows branch affiliation.
• The overall style and design details that give clues about its era.
• Backmarks from the manufacturer stamped into the rear of the button.

Online button archives and reference guides can help match the details on a button to known artillery units. This enables the history and service of that unit to be researched.

Artillery buttons offer a way to literally hold history in your hand. From the American Revolution through the Civil War, these buttons represent the service and sacrifice of artillery soldiers who helped shape the nation's conflicts. For history and metal detecting enthusiasts alike, few finds unlock the past quite like an artillery button.

FAQs

What materials were artillery buttons made from?

Artillery buttons were most commonly made from pewter or brass, with occasional silver buttons being used by officers. The material allowed the buttons to withstand the rigors of field use.

Where would artillery buttons be worn on a uniform?

Artillery buttons were sewn onto coats and jackets to fasten them. They served a functional purpose while also denoting the soldier's unit affiliation.

How can you identify the unit an artillery button came from?

Clues to identify the unit include the number or letter on the button, which indicates the specific battery or regiment. The insignia depicted, such as cannons, also shows branch affiliation.

Did Confederate artillery units have their own unique buttons?

Yes, Confederate artillery buttons will often have the letters "A" for artillery or "CA" for cavalry artillery. Researching the details can identify the specific Confederate battery.

Where are good places to research an artillery button?

Online button archives and reference guides help match details on a button to known units. This provides insights on the unit's history and service.