Description: From a fortunate find by a metal detectorist is this War of 1812 era uniform coat button for the 1st West India Regiment, a rather scarce pewter other ranks example. This one has "WEST INDIA REGIMENT" to a buckled riband, a king's crown above and "1" to center - exactly as proper for their time in America. There is no discernible back mark. The 1st WIR was initially composed of volunteer free men of color, though soon augmented by many purchased new arrivals from West Africa. Classed as a standard line infantry regiment, its reality was often arduous guerrilla warfare on hilly islands in the Caribbean. The regiment was prominently engaged in the 1805 defense of Dominica and during the reduction of Guadalupe in 1809. Transported to Louisiana in 1814, it was one of two West India regiments present among Packenham's forces assembled for the New Orleans Campaign. 809 men of the 1st WIR (755 effective as of 25 December 1814) were with Major General John Keane's 3rd Brigade during the assault against Jackson's American defense in a sugarcane field at Chalmette. Brigaded with the 93rd Highlanders and 916 men of the 5th WIR, the regiment had 5 OR killed and 23 wounded on 8 January 1815. While less than the unfortunate Highlanders, this was in fact more than the total Louisiana losses incurred by the 5th WIR from December 25 through January 8. Details of its specific participation are easily found on line - the point is, the regiment (wearing this particular style of button) was there. Condition is fair for a pewter field find though obviously not absolutely pristine perfect. There is nice patination to the surfaces, with some typical edge loss and surface erosion from ground action. Wording and devices are clear enough for definitive identification. The shank presents the usual ancient loss. In all, enough "salt" for visual charisma and as evidence it likely saw the elephant on more than one occasion. Size is about 19mm. I'm not sure where you might see let alone acquire another of these, so there you are.
Price: 49.99 USD
Location: Tucson, Arizona
End Time: 2024-09-05T01:28:04.000Z
Shipping Cost: 4.95 USD
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Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Original/Reproduction: Original
