Gettysburg Rifleman's Button

[Hanging Rock Rebel]

Hi all!

I recently acquired a Rifleman's cuff button that was dug at Gettysburg in the 1960s. It was found at a field hospital site near the Taneytown Rd (private property) and still has some nice gold around the eagle!

I know the 1st and 2nd United States Sharp Shooters were at the battle and saw significant action on July 2, but my question is: were there any other Rifleman units at Gettysburg that this button may have come from? Or do you think it is from one of the USSS regiments?

Thanks!

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy. Very nice find

 

[captaindrew]

Welcome from South Florida, nice button

 

[UCVRelics]

Welcome from the Heart of Dixie. The USSS were issued hard rubber button (made by Goodyear) to cut down any reflecting or glare. They also just had a plain shield eagle such as the one below.

 

[Hussar Yeomanry]

Welcome from the Heart of Dixie. The USSS were issued hard rubber button (made by Goodyear) to cut down any reflecting or glare. They also just had a plain shield eagle such as the one below.

Well that pretty much rules them out for Ucvrelics is very knowledgable about such things.

However beyond the 1st and 2nd US Sharpshooters there were other sharpshooter companies present. Specifically there were at least a company and a bit from Massachusetts and the rather famed company from Minnesota. However I would be surprised if they would be issued buttons like yours either.

I therefore wonder if it might be later (the hallowed ground was used for various 'reenactments' and from a relatively early point). Just an idea though probably not one you want to hear.

EDIT - Also, welcome to the forum.

 

[Hanging Rock Rebel]

Thanks everyone for the replies! Rubber buttons to cut down on glare, who knew???
I had never thought about the possibility of the button being from after the battle, but it is something to consiter. I will do some research and see what I come up with.

 

[1867crete]

Is there a back mark on the button? Is it readable? Post pics of the back. It could be dated and help to perhaps identify. Many explanations as how this button could have found its way to g burg!

 

[Legion Para]

Is there a back mark on the button? Is it readable? Post pics of the back. Many explanations as how this button could have found its way to g burg!

Agreed.

 

[Package4]

Hi all!

I recently acquired a Rifleman's cuff button that was dug at Gettysburg in the 1960s. It was found at a field hospital site near the Taneytown Rd (private property) and still has some nice gold around the eagle!

I know the 1st and 2nd United States Sharp Shooters were at the battle and saw significant action on July 2, but my question is: were there any other Rifleman units at Gettysburg that this button may have come from? Or do you think it is from one of the USSS regiments?

Thanks!
View attachment 189907

Technically the R buttons were designated for mounted infantry or riflemen, the Dragoons were consolidated and formed the 3rd US Cavalry, which were mounted rifleman and these were their buttons. They were predominately used on the frontier, that would not preclude an individual with prior service to reuse the buttons. Your button could be from a Confederate, who resigned or did not re-up when enlistment was over. Conversely it could be from a Federal serviceman for the same reason, did not re-up and then re-enlisted back east.

 

[Package4]

Hi all!

I recently acquired a Rifleman's cuff button that was dug at Gettysburg in the 1960s. It was found at a field hospital site near the Taneytown Rd (private property) and still has some nice gold around the eagle!

I know the 1st and 2nd United States Sharp Shooters were at the battle and saw significant action on July 2, but my question is: were there any other Rifleman units at Gettysburg that this button may have come from? Or do you think it is from one of the USSS regiments?

Thanks!
View attachment 189907

Please post the reverse so that we may get a look at the backmark.

 

[Hanging Rock Rebel]

Please post the reverse so that we may get a look at the backmark.

Unfortunately there is no back mark, which from my understanding isn't too uncommon with these small cuff buttons. Agreed it would have been helpful though

 

[1867crete]

Again many ways it could have ended up there! Great period button thanks for sharing!

 

[Package4]

Unfortunately there is no back mark, which from my understanding isn't too uncommon with these small cuff buttons. Agreed it would have been helpful though
View attachment 190198 View attachment 190199

According to Tice that button should measure approximately 14 mm and be two piece with a brass back and two rings. From the pictures you have the two rings, appears two piece and brass back. Can you tell if the measurement is 14 mm?

 

[UCVRelics]

Here is your back-mark on a R cuff button. @Package4 is correct on the 14mm but they also came in 15.5. The one below is 15.5mm. They were made by several different companies. From your photo I believe that your is CW period.

 

[mofederal]

Hello and welcome to the talk forum from Southeast Missouri located on the banks of the muddy Mississippi River. I like your button @Hanging Rock Rebel, a rare and special button worth having in a collection.

 

[Hanging Rock Rebel]

According to Tice that button should measure approximately 14 mm and be two piece with a brass back and two rings. From the pictures you have the two rings, appears two piece and brass back. Can you tell if the measurement is 14 mm?

Yes it appears to be 14mm, the back mark is a little crushed but is is identical to the one posted above. The prospect of an ex-frontier solder reenlisting to fight back east is very interesting and certainly adds a lot to the story behind of the button. Thanks for all the great information!

 

[Hanging Rock Rebel]

Hello and welcome to the talk forum from Southeast Missouri located on the banks of the muddy Mississippi River. I like your button @Hanging Rock Rebel, a rare and special button worth having in a collection.

Thanks, great to be here and learning a lot already!