American Revolution
20th Regiment of Foot British Revolutionary War Button
c. 1776 Revolutionary War Period, British 20th Regiment of Foot Pewter Button, Very Fine.
A small size, cast Pewter Button measuring 17 mm across with cable borders decorated with "XX" within a wreath, Troiani/Kochan B20.i. According to our consignor, this historic button was dug at Saratoga. Lightly corroded with its original shank lacking, yet the front "XX" designs are attractive, very sharp and strong.
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).