Revolutionary War soldier’s shoe buckle, dug at Yorktown, VA Battlefield

This is another nice piece being offered, it is an excavated Revolutionary War soldier’s shoe buckle – could be American, French or British. It is made of brass and measures 2 1/4” x 1 3/4”. This one was recovered years ago from the Yorktown, Virginia Battlefield.

General George Washington and his Continental Army had a decision to make in the spring of 1781. They could strike a decisive blow to the British in New York City or aim for the south, in Yorktown, Virginia, where Gen. Charles Lord Cornwallis’s troops were garrisoned. Washington and his French ally, Lt. Gen. Comte de Rochambeau, bet on the south, where they were assured critical naval support from a French fleet commanded by Adm. Comte de Grasse.

The Allied armies marched hundreds of miles from their headquarters north of New York City to Yorktown, making theirs the largest troop movement of the American Revolution. They surprised the British in a siege that turned the tide toward an American victory in the War for Independence.

This shoe buckle has some scroll work on it and has kept its arched shape, although it has a very slight bend. There are examples in just about all of the Revolutionary War Museums and in books. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been difficult to find. With the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding this year, there is a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts are in demand, which only adds to their scarcity and price. I am already seeing the increase in sales.