Revolutionary War Artifacts: A Field Guide
Finding artifacts from the American Revolution (1775-1783) is the pinnacle for many detectorists in the eastern United States. These finds are over 240 years old and directly connect to the founding of the country. They're also increasingly rare, which makes each one significant.
Military Artifacts
- Musket balls: .69 caliber (American/French) and .75 caliber (British). See the bullet identification guide.
- Buttons: Pewter regimental buttons with numbers, state militia buttons, and British crown-and-number designs. Button identification is critical at these sites.
- Buckles: Shoe buckles and equipment buckles in brass and iron.
- Camp equipment: Tent pegs, cooking utensils, and hardware from military camps.
Civilian Artifacts
Not everything at a Revolutionary-era site is military. Civilian finds from this period overlap significantly with colonial-era artifacts and include coins (British coppers, Spanish silver), personal items, and household hardware.
Site Research
Documented encampment locations, march routes, and battle sites are published in historical records. Many state historical commissions maintain databases. Cross-referencing these with period maps and modern landowner records is essential. See researching old maps and getting landowner permission.