Item: Federal Riflemen Coat Button
Backmark: "W. B. CO. / WATERBURY" rmdc
Design: Raised spread wing eagle with letter "R" in shield.
Construction: Convex, two-piece.
Approximate size: 20 mm.
Condition: Excellent, non-excavated, secure shank present. Unblemished bright gold patina. There are no pushes, cracks, breaks or repairs.
Reference: Tice: RF212/215A55 Albert: RF 17E
Comments: This Riflemen button will be an excellent addition to any Civil War button or general relic collection.
Additional information: According to "Uniform Buttons of the United States 1776-1865" by Warren K. Tice, regarding Federal Mounted Riflemen:
"The Army transformed the Second Dragoons into mounted riflemen in 1842 and the unit was again reorganized into the 2nd Cavalry at the beginning of the Civil War. Another regiment of mounted rifles was added in 1846, and became the 3rd Cavalry in 1861. The Riflemen were armed with long hunting rifles, allowing them to serve as highly mobile infantry during the Indian Wars. The distinctive "R" buttons continued to be worn during the Civil War."
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