This rare button artifact is a very fine excavated example of a dug, two-piece brass button as worn on the uniforms of North Carolina Military Institute cadets at Charlotte, NC prior and during the Civil War. Specimen was recovered from an unknown location in the Richmond, VA area. Face exhibits a large beehive centered on a lined field flanked with the letters "N" and "C". The words "MILITARY INSITITUE" edge the lower area of the button in a concave shape. Face shows almost all its original gold gilt save for the raised areas but suffers from a slight push at the four o'clock position. Reverse is moderately corroded with oxidation and the backmark is present. Reads "Scovill. Mfg. Co. Watrbry." but the stamping is difficult to read. Shank is intact but has been bent over. Button classed as a SU 272 in A. H. Albert's reference volume. This fine excavated North Carolina Military Institute button would surely enhance any Civil War button display or a North Carolina focused collection.