Confederate Infantry pewter “I” button, dug at North Anna, Virginia

This is another nice piece being offered, it is a Confederate Infantry 24mm Coat Button. It is a solid-cast one piece pewter button with the "I" on the face for Infantry. These buttons did not have any backmark and on the reverse of this one is the remains of the broken shank – probably why it was originally lost. This button was recovered from the North Anna, Virginia Battlefield.

On May 23, 1864, one of Confederate General A.P. Hill’s divisions assaulted the V Corps which had crossed the river at Jericho Mill, resulting in bloody see-saw fighting. On the 24th, Union infantry was repulsed at Ox Ford (the snout) but advanced to near the Doswell House on the Confederate right. Once the threat of Lee’s position was revealed, Grant withdrew both wings of the army back across the North Anna River. Grant outflanked the position by moving downstream and continued his advance on Richmond.

The button has a grey patina with minimal surface ground action. Approximately one third of the rim is missing. There are no cracks or repairs. This button was lost by a Confederate infantryman while fighting in the North Anna area. A very nice example to add to your collection.