Mysterious colonial pewter button ID? Militia?

[relicmeister]

I found this pewter button in an area of N. NJ that has yielded a number of 18th century artifacts from several homesites. I’m wondering what the small number 17 over large letter LD inside an 8-sided star mean?

The only other military I’ve found in the area is an 1812
Artillery button.

Any ideas are welcome

 

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[Professor of Engineering]

Interesting find!

 

[smokeythecat]

It is British Revolutionary War 17th Light Dragoons' button. They served throughout the war. It is a very hard to get item. It is not War of 1812. By then most of their military buttons had backmarks. Congrats!

 

[gilmerman]

What a good find, was it in a house site or outside?

 

[devldog]

That is a Great looking button. Congrat's, and Well Done on the I'D Smokey.

 

[relicmeister]

What a good find, was it in a house site or outside?

Was found in a wooded area not far from early established trail. Army’s likely passes through during revolution. Although this button is that period, I did also find war of 1812 buttons in general region as well.
Always looking for more. No actual battles just troop movements.