War of 1812 Regiment of Riflemen button, circa 1808 – 1820 (SOLD)

This is another great War of 1812 coat-size button being offered, it is an excavated early Regiment of Riflemen Button, c.1808 – 1820. It is made of brass and measures 22mm with a clear “R.R”. On the reverse, the shank has broken off, which is probably why it was lost. It was recovered years ago at Southport, NC, near the Fort Johnston area.

Southport was originally founded as the town of Smithville in 1792 and was adjacent to Fort Johnston. The town was named after Benjamin Smith, a colonel in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and later governor of North Carolina. Smithville grew as a fishing village and because of the supporting military activity. In an effort to promote the town as a major shipping port, Smithville was renamed Southport in 1887.

This is a great early button and in very nice condition. Most of these early Rifleman buttons that are dug, are in poor condition. It would make a great addition to any collection.