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Historical Context & Significance
This button is a rare artifact from the reign of King Henri Christophe, who declared himself Henri I of the Kingdom of Haiti in 1811. The central device—a crowned phoenix rising from flames—and the motto "JE RENAIS DE MES CENDRES" (I am reborn from my ashes) served as a powerful symbol of the first independent black republic’s triumph over French colonial rule.
Though commissioned for the Haitian royal army, the buttons were never delivered due to the King’s death in 1820. The unused inventory was eventually purchased by American merchants, including Nathaniel Wyeth, and transported to the Pacific Northwest. By the mid-1830s, these buttons became a vital trade currency within the Columbia River fur trade and throughout Alta California, making them a bridge between Caribbean revolution and North American frontier history.
Rarity & Condition
Haitian Phoenix buttons are considered highly collectible and rare, particularly in non-excavated condition.
• Regiment: This specimen is marked "No. 4", denoting the 4th Regiment. While several regimental numbers exist, the No. 4 is a sought-after mid-tier variety for military and trade-era collectors.
• Integrity: Unlike most "ground-found" examples recovered from archaeological sites, this piece retains its original, intact shank and sharp details.
• Surface: The button exhibits a deep, natural olive-brown patina and clear legends, free from the heavy pitting or corrosion typically seen on excavated trade buttons.
Item Details
• Type: Flat, one-piece brass military/trade button.
• Size: Approximately 25mm.
• Authenticity: This is a period-original piece, not a modern restrike. As a professional researcher, I ensure that all hallmarks and construction methods are consistent with early 19th-century manufacturing.
Shipping Policy:
I adhere to a strict exact-cost shipping policy. Shipping is calculated based on the carrier rate for the weight and dimensions of the package; no handling fees or padded charges are ever added to your total.
Expert Identification:
I am a professional researcher and collector specializing in historical artifacts, numismatics, and vintage memorabilia. Every item in my inventory is meticulously documented to ensure its historical accuracy and provenance for your collection.
