American Revolution
British 20th Regimental Revolutionary War Button
c. 1776 Revolutionary War Period, British 20th Regiment of Foot Button, Silver Repousse Button, 21 mm, Troiani/Kochan B20.a., Damaged Good.
Silver Repousse Button, Large size, 21 mm, with "pie crust" borders decorated with "XX" within a wreath, listed as Troiani/Kochan B20.a. According to our consignor, this button was dug up be a metal detectorist at Saratoga. Cracked, torn and missing some of the outer edge, held together by a thick layer of clear amber glue on the back side. Missing the underlying section, which most likely corroded away over the centuries. To its credit, what remains is bright and legible. In the American Revolution the 20th Regiment was sent to Quebec in April 1776 and assisted in the relief of Quebec in May 1776. Afterwards, serving under General John Burgoyne for the remainder of the Canadian campaign, the 20th later surrendered along with General Burgoyne at the Battle of Saratoga.
In 1751, the regiment became the 20th Regiment of Foot, often written in Roman numerals 'XX Foot', (hence the nickname The Two Tens). During the Seven Years' War the regiment earned honour at the Battle of Minden on 1 August 1759, when, as an infantry formation, they stood up to and broke a French cavalry charge.
During the American Revolution the regiment was sent to Quebec in April 1776 and assisted in the relief of Quebec in May 1776. Serving under General John Burgoyne for the remainder of the Canadian campaign, they later surrendered along with General Burgoyne at Saratoga.
For similar examples and a history of the 20th Regiment of foot see Don Troiani and James L. Kochan, Insignia of Independence, Military Buttons, Accoutrements Plates, & Gorgets of the American Revolution (Gettysburg: Thomas Publications, 2012).