VERY RARE – Revolutionary War 71st British Regiment of Foot button, recovered at Battle of Savannah

This is one of those Revolutionary War buttons that are almost impossible to find. It is an 18mm pewter button, having the faint “71” on the face, from a non-officer member of Britain's 71st Regiment of Foot, popularly known as "Fraser's Highlanders." This distinguished British regiment was raised in Scotland in 1775 to fight in the American Revolution. It was recovered with another one in Savannah, Georgia.

In 1779, the 71st British Regiment of Foot was actively involved during the Southern Campaign at the Battle of Savannah. This area contained the Spring Hill Redoubt, which was one of over a dozen redoubts surrounding British-occupied Savannah prior to the battle. French and American allied officers chose to attack Spring Hill Redoubt with most of its forces. This area served as the focal point of the entire battle. Previously, the regiment saw action in the Battle of Brier Creek in South Carolina.

There was another one of these buttons recovered from the “Storm Wreck”, off the coast of St. Augustine, Florida. It was an 18th-century British Loyalist vessel that sank in December 1782 (see pictures).

Buttons such as this one would have adorned the regimental coats of British infantrymen during these campaigns. Surviving examples of 71st Regiment buttons are prized artifacts that offer tangible insight into the presence of Scottish Highland troops in the conflict and the material culture of British regulars fighting in America.

These buttons were cast in pewter--a common material for enlisted men's buttons--the piece displays the simple construction characteristic of wartime field production, including an integral cast shank on the reverse. This button is far from being a “top shelf” piece, because of the chip and faint marking, but the rarity is in being from the very prestigious Scottish regiment that fought in the Revolutionary War. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been difficult to find, and I am fortunate to have quite a few pieces in stock. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price. I am already seeing a substantial increase in purchases.