My first Confed buttons

[DirtDigler]

So after a couple years of walking and digging, I finally scored my first two Confederate buttons. Both within 20 minutes of each other. The first I thought it was another typical eagle cuff button. Didn't clean it in the field, just stuck it in my pocket and kept beeping. Then, in a bulldozed pile of dirt, I came across the Block "I". Rang out as a 55 on my T2, so I thought, surely another shotgun shell, right? Nope, a nice Block "I" with one problem... no back. But it's still a nice example.

Once at home I headed for the sink and running water. Cleaning the eagle cuff I saw a letter in that shield. Always a good thing. Not an "I", not an "R", not a "C", not a "D". This was definitely a "V". Not used to seeing that, I consulted my online sources and found it to be a unit formed prior to the war known as the Voltigeurs. More research led me to find that the Voltigeurs were disbanded before the war and Virginia militia units bought the "V" marked equipment. So now I have a fairly rare Confederate button. Shank good, three stars on the back and the front detail? Well, see for yourself.

 

[clovis97]

Wow!! What a find!!! I'd love to find something like that!!!!

 

[DirtDigler]

I'd guess it'll bring $150-200, from what I've seen.

 

[civilman1]

Just don't see them baby's coming out of the ground everyday Congrat's!!

 

[kuger]

That button is the #1 on my want to dig list!!!!They were basically the first special forces of sorts.Dandy!!!!I have only seen two maybe three posted on here in the last five years

 

[CRUSADER]

That button is the #1 on my want to dig list!!!!They were basically the first special forces of sorts.Dandy!!!!I have only seen two maybe three posted on here in the last five years

First 'V' I've seen on here, so must be fairly rare

 

[kuger]

That button is the #1 on my want to dig list!!!!They were basically the first special forces of sorts.Dandy!!!!I have only seen two maybe three posted on here in the last five years

First 'V' I've seen on here, so must be fairly rare

Yes,they also pre date the C.W.,very popular in the Mexican American war.It is said that possibly surplus was used by Virginia Troops during the C.W. but no real proof as far as I know?

 

[Aquila]

Nice buttons

 

[cntrydncr1]

wow! congrats on the nice finds

 

[MaineRelic]

First V button I have seen posted on here as well ! A great button find ! Congrads ! MaineRelic

 

[Nate in Ga]

NICE buttons, I am envious

 

[DirtDigler]

When I find the "V" belt buckle maybe it'll rate the banner. I hear those are even more rare. Gonnaa go back to that hole and look again. All my buddies had found Confed buttons already. Now I'm in the club too. Pressure is off!

 

[kuger]

Where are you getting the Confederate part??

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regiment_of_Voltigeurs_and_Foot_Riflemen

 

[DirtDigler]

Here's the link:

http://relicman.com/buttons/B5487.htm

 

[DirtDigler]

And another...

http://mymilitaryhistory.blogspot.com/2009/05/more-on-mounted-riflemen-and-voltigeurs.html

Keep in mind that this button was found 150 ft. from a Block "I" button on a known Confed winter camp. Nowhere near Mexico, but in the heart of Dixie.

 

[traverdog]

Neat finds.

 

[Getty]

Congrats on great relics! Those are awesome pieces of history.

 

[joeyfresh]

Nice buttons. I got to remember to search dirt piles

 

[Steve in PA]

Congrats on two fine buttons! The block I was most likely a tin back local. It is fairly common for the backs to be missing. They also find a lot of Voltigiers buttons in Louisiana.

 

[birdman]

Phenomanal!!