Here is a very general outline of the use of American Marked buttons during the Revolution. IN 1775, there basically were no marked buttons. After the 2nd Continental Congress gave us the Declaration of Independence in 1776, some of the buttons of the Continental line were marked. The first use would probably have been the "USA" buttons in very late 1776 or early 1777. There is one variety of "USA" button with a 1777 on it. At the time of Valley Forge, winter 1777 after the disaster at the Brandywine, the Continental line regiments began marking their buttons with 1, 2, 3, etc. At that time Pennsylvania also started marking buttons, with a ""P" and other types. In 1778 the turrett style numbered buttons were first imported from the French and most buttons started to being marked 1778-1780. We imported quite a few from the French. In 1781 -1782, that's when the distinctiveness of the individual regiments started to be made known. I think most of the specialty buttons were being made at that time. Remember, the war did not end until 1783.
I don't believe many records of the orders for the manufacture of the buttons has ever been found. Some buttons were camp made. Numerous button molds have been found, especially in NY State in camps used by northern troops. There are records of deserters that have been compiled into books, and their descriptions are detailed, including buttons. Interesting read, but most troops deserted and no mention is made of the buttons, with the exception of color and a few numbered buttons.
AND that button is absolutely gorgeous.
