Hessian Soldier Button Value Guide

The Hessian Soldier Button is a significant relic from the American Revolutionary War, representing the German auxiliary troops hired by the British. These pewter artifacts are highly collectible due to their direct connection to the Holy Roman Empire's influence and their presence at key 18th-century battle sites.

What affects the value of Hessian Soldier Button?

• Condition of the pewter, specifically the lack of 'tin pest' or significant oxidation which can obscure the eagle motif.
• Legibility of the Latin inscription, as clear lettering significantly increases the market value toward the $70 range.
• Provenance or discovery location, such as documented recovery from a known Revolutionary War encampment or battlefield.
• Integrity of the attachment shank on the reverse side of the button.

How to Identify Hessian Soldier Button?

• Look for the Latin inscription 'ES DEVS SPES NOSTRA' which translates to 'God is our hope' circling the rim.
• Verify the central motif features a distinct eagle design representing the German States and Holy Roman Empire.
• Check for pewter construction, which was the standard material for these auxiliary military buttons between 1775 and 1783.
• Examine the reverse for a characteristic wire shank or evidence of where the shank was originally attached.

History of Hessian Soldier Button

Buttons bearing the inscription 'ES DEVS SPES NOSTRA' (God is our hope) and an eagle motif are commonly associated with Hessian soldiers. These German auxiliary troops were hired by the British to fight during the American Revolutionary War. Their distinctive buttons, often found at battle sites and encampments, serve as tangible links to this pivotal period in American history. The eagle design typically represents the Holy Roman Empire, a common symbol in various German states at the time.