Rare Mexican Republic Military Uniform Button – Excavated Artifact!
 
This exceptionally rare French military uniform button was discovered via metal detection in Dolores, Mexico, a region steeped in 19th-century military history. Measuring 22 mm in diameter, Dates to the 1860s French occupation, possibly lost during troop movements, skirmishes, or encampments. This artifact aligns with the broader historical context of France’s failed imperial project in Mexico, which collapsed in 1867 after U.S. pressure and Mexican resistance forced a French withdrawal.
 
Key Features & Historical Context:
 
Design & Symbolism:
Bears "81"
French regiments, such as the 81st Line Infantry, were active in Mexico. Buttons marked with regimental numbers (like "81") were standard issue, helping identify units.
The 81st Regiment (or similar units) could have been stationed in central Mexico, including areas like Dolores, during occupation or counterinsurgency operations.
 
Material & Craftsmanship:
Likely made of copper alloy or brass, with a silver or gold-plated finish (now worn due to age and burial).
Backside features  a military shank (loop for attachment), with four holes for thread attachment and marked Paris.
 
Provenance & Rarity:
Dolores, Mexico, was a strategic location during the Reform War (1857–1860) and French Intervention (1860s), suggesting possible ties to these conflicts.
 
Why This Stands Out:
Large size (22 mm) suggests possible use on officer’s uniforms or specialized attire, differing from common infantry buttons.
Direct link to Dolores, a site of historical battles, adds archaeological significance.
 
Ideal For:
Historians of Latin American and French militaria.
Collectors of excavated military relics.
Museums focusing on Mexican heritage.