Revolutionary War French Navy Uniform Button, recovered in New York City (ON HOLD,M)

Being offered is a rare coat-size French Revolutionary War Navy button, measuring 23mm. The brass face of the button has the large anchor with the twisted rope wrapped around it. The back on this one is made with the French "Turret" style shank. This button was recovered many years ago in New York City.

During the Revolutionary War, French forces had an indirect, strategic presence in the New York City area, though the British occupied the city itself. French troops under Comte de Rochambeau marched across the Hudson River valley and converged with American forces in New York, conducting reconnaissance on the British fortifications in July 1781. However, they ultimately shifted their focus to Virginia and joined with the French Navy under Comte de Grasse to achieve victory at the Battle of Yorktown, not directly fighting within New York City.

This button is the style that is illustrated on page #167 of Don Troiani’s button book on uniform buttons of the American Revolution. This version is a variation similar to the one listed as figure FCN.d. with the back on this one being made with the French "Turret" style shank.

The button is in very nice condition – never cleaned and all original. This is a rare button to add to any Revolutionary War collection. Very few early artifacts from New York City become available for sale.