This is a reproduction of an 1813 United States Infantry button. The button features a large, foliate script capital letter "I" with a wide berth hook tail, as well as a medium-sized five-pointed star below it, within a small oval with a raised outline.
- Diameter: approx. 2cm
- Lead-free pewter
At the time of the declaration of war with Great Britain on June 18th, 1812, the US Regular Army consisted of about 10,000 men, half of whom were new recruits. An act of June 26, 1812 (2 Stat. 764) mandated that the Regular Army was to consist of 25 regiments of infantry, 4 of artillery, 2 of dragoons, 1 of riflemen, plus engineers and artificers, for a total authorized strength of 36,700 men. An act of January 29, 1813 (2 Stat. 794-797), authorized enlargement of the army to 52 regiments of cavalry, artillery, dragoons, and infantry. In addition to these troops, volunteer regiments and state militia also took part in the conflict.
This button comes backed on a postcard featuring a watercolour print of a Private of the 32nd US Infantry, by Don Troiani. Note: Artwork Copyright © Don Troiani, used with permission.