CIVIL WAR ARTILLERY COAT BUTTON RECOVERED IN MARYLAND (SOLD)

This is an artillery coat size button. It is somewhat flattened, but the eagle and “A” are nicely pronounced. There is a maker on the back but I am unable to make it out. It was recovered in a Union camp along the Patapsco River, Maryland – near Elkridge and Relay.

The B&O Railroad was the only railroad into Washington DC until after the Civil War, thus it was an essential supply train route for the Union during that time. To prevent Confederate attacks or sabotage of the bridges and the railroad, the Eighth New York and the Sixth Massachusetts regiments as well as Cook's Boston Artillery Battery took control of the area in early 1861. The Relay House itself became the occupying Union Army headquarters (see period photo).

This button was probably from someone in Cook’s Light Artillery Battery based on the location of the find. The button is solid and clean with no deterioration along with a nicely aged patina. (FREE SHIPPING)