Original Civil War Navy button, dug on the outskirts of Ft. Fisher, NC (SOLD)

This is another nice piece being offered, it is an excavated U.S Navy button, measuring 19mm. It has a Scovill backmark and the shank still remains on the back. It was dug many years ago at the outer defenses of Ft. Fisher, NC on the Cape Fear side, just south of Wilmington (see map).

After being informed about the large Union army heading toward Wilmington, General Lee ordered Major General Robert Hoke's Division to Fort Fisher. Also, Hoke took command of all Confederate forces in the Wilmington area.

The Union attack started on December 24, 1864, with a naval bombardment. The firepower of Fort Fisher was temporarily silenced because some of its gun positions exploded. This allowed the Navy to land Union infantry. The landing force was intercepted by the arrival of Hoke's troops.

The Union attack was effectively thwarted, and on December 27 Benjamin Butler ordered the withdrawal of his 1,000 soldiers who were still on the beach. This was in defiance of Grant's orders, which were to besiege the fort if the assault failed. Because Butler disobeyed his orders, he was relieved of command by Grant.

The area of recovery was also a retreat route from Fort Fisher. Many of these Navy buttons were worn on the coats of both Union and Confederate soldiers. This button has nice detail and quite a bit of gold gilt remaining on the face. It is rare to find a dug Navy button. This would be a nice piece for any collection.