GWI 12-B
~ The Isabela Collection ~
“I was summoned by my country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love”
* George Washington April 30, 1789 *
GWI 12-A, B, C, D, E, AND F THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR: This button was made in Brass, Bronze, and Copper. Some specimens were known to have either a Gilt or Silver-Wash finish. The size for A, B, C, and D is 35mm. The Size for E is struck on a smaller 20mm planchet which doesn’t have an edge border. The Size for F is on a smaller 18mm. planchet, and has a decorative edge border. GWI 12-A has 49 Edge Border Indentees, GWI 12-B has 54 Edge Border Indentees, GWI 12-C has 63 Edge Border Indentees, GWI 12-D has 72 Edge Border Indentees, GWI 12-F has 37 Edge Border Indentees. The Rarity Ratings has changed in recent years and I find it hard to scale properly with all the metal detecting discoveries. GWI 12 A, E, F, D, B and the most common. 12-C would be the scarcest. Collectors should note for Buying that Non-Dug Specimens or heirlooms deserve a premium regardless of the number of border indentees. Dug specimens from metal detector enthusiasts for all variety can be easily obtained and not considered rare.
In Cobb’s time he noted that, “this pattern was repeatedly found in places of those men who had served under General Washington.”
In my era, “I ask myself myself which Sub-Variants of GWI 12 sub-variants depict the overlapping Masonic allusion that exists in-between Scottish-Rite Masonry, Scottish Royal Culture and Ancient Religion. I will try to provide an ethical balance between trusted Masonic information I am privy to being a Freemason, and the Patriotic duty this hobby demands of me when i display my information. The goal of my website is to Promote Patriotism to our younger generation thorough our country’s history in early 18th century military, George Washington inaugural & New Nation buttons.
* Except for a few Choice Specimens, I will not be listing all known Dug Buttons.
GWI 12-B THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR:
Color:
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-
Variety Type: Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition:
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information on B.1:
History: Recorded Sales Price:
Current Button Owner and Location:
GWI 12-C THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: A Deep Yellow Brown with Sunset Orange-Red Highlights & Undertones.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Copper.
Size: 34.30mm. 118.3 Grains.
Rarity: R-2
Variety Type: 63 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, An Exceptional Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI 12 C-1:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
Sold by Stacks Auction House 2001 & 2011.
The H. Cobb Collection.~
Purchased by Cobb in 1957 from CK Parker (The Miller Collection)
GWI 12-C-SBV.1 THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: A Golden Brass With Pockets of Orange & Chocolate.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-2
Variety Type: 63 Edge Border Indentees / Slash Line Ring.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original and intact, but slightly twisted.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI C-2:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ California ~
*GWI 12 CSV1 denotes Slash Line Ring.
GWI 12-D THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: A Natural Golden Brass with Verdigris Spots.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34.57mm.
Rarity: R-4
Variety Type: 72 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI 12 D.1:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New York ~
Seller stated that this was part of an inherited collection who’s family Provenance is from Virginia.
The RJ. Silverstein’s Isabela Collection.
GWI 12-F THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: An Olive Toned Brass.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 18mm. Cuff Size.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 37 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: Light cleaning few scratches.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is reportedly re-placed, most likely by Cobb.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI 12 F.1:
History: No Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
Heritage Auctions November 13, 2007
Heritage Auctions November 12, 2004
Ex Cobb Collection.~
GWI 12-A THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: A Natural Antique Brass.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Gilt Brass
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 49 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI 12 A.1:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: No
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New Jersey ~
Bergen County Historical Society Members Button.
GWI 12-B THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: A Deep Golden Brown.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34.63mm.
Rarity: R-3
Variety Type: 54 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Exceptional Planchet Condition, An Exceptional Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI B-2:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New York ~
Seller stated a family heirloom, Provenance is from New Hampshire.
The RJ Silverstein’s Isabela Collection.~
GWI 12-C THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: A Lovely Olive Toned Antique Brass Yellow.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-2
Variety Type: 63 Edge Border Indentees, Flash or Strike Through Reverse.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, An Exceptional Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: A remarkably high quality specimen of the Eagle and Star type, the olive-toned surfaces still retaining a bit of their original yellow brassy flash in the embossed areas of the designs. The grand majority of surviving Washington Inaugural buttons have come to us via metal detectorists as ground finds, so the surface quality of many that have come to market in recent decades are less than perfect. This button, on the other hand, is quite smooth and free of all flaws but for a handful of carbon stains and a touch of light verdigris on the back that are quite minor in light of this specimen’s overall very positive in hand eye appeal. A close look at the engraving work reveals what is often obscured by corrosion, the finely chiseled lines of the eagle and surrounding designs that actually are quite textured rather than being solid outlines, making this a solid example for the early Americana collector seeking one of each major type of Washington Inaugural button.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. Flash or strike through reverse.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI 12 C.3:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
Heritage Auctions November 07, 2003.
Stacks Auction House January 25, 2012.
GWI 12-C THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: A Natural Deep Reddish-Brown Mottled Toning.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Copper.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-2
Variety Type: 63 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is unfortunately missing.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI 12 C:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
Picture Courteous of Dana Linet at Early American Auctions.
GWI 12-D THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: Clay Red With a Deep Brown Base
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Silver Wash Copper.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-4
Variety Type: 72 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original and intact, but bent over.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI 12 D-2:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New York ~
Excavated in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
The Isabela Collection.~
GWI 12-B-SBV.1 THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: Dark Chocolate Brown
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass
Size: 33.90mm.
Rarity: R-
Variety Type: 55 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI 12 BSV1.1.:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
*SBV1.1 55 Indentees instead of 54
Picture Courteous of Dana Linet at Early American Auctions.
GWI 12-C THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: An Algae Tri-Shaded Color Green
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Silvered Copper
Size: 34.68mm.
Rarity: R-2
Variety Type: 63 Edge Border Indentees
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI C-4:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New York ~
The Isabela Collection.~
GWI 12-D THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: A Rusty Silvery-Brown.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Silvered Copper.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-4
Variety Type: 72 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is intact, but a replacement. Flash through reverse.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI 12 D-3:
History: No Recorded Sales Price: No
Current Button Owner and Location: No
GWI 12-B THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: Antique Brass.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34.63mm.
Rarity: R-3
Variety Type: 54 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, An Exceptional Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is missing and the reverse was smoothed out for a coin collection.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI B-:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New York ~
RJ Silverstein’s Isabela Collection.
GWI 12-C THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: A Nice Sunburst Green Mix
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-
Variety Type: 63 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Casting, Strong Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information On GWI 12-C- :
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~X Earth X ~
One of three GWI 12-C Dug in Massachusetts, 1996.
The Dale Collection.
GWI 12-D THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: Milk Chocolate Brown.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Copper.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: 72 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Fair Planchet Condition, A Fair Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is straight and intact, but appears replaced.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI 12 D- :
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ California ~
GWI 12-B THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: A Lovely Deep to Light Golden Brown.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-
Variety Type: 54 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information :
History: No Recorded Sales Price: No
Current Button Owner and Location: No
GWI 12-C THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: Antique Yellow
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-2
Variety Type: 63 Edge Border Indentees
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI C-4:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ California ~
Picture Courteous of Dana Linet at Early American Auctions.
GWI 12-C THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: A Deep Brown With Yellow Undertones.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-2
Variety Type: 63 Edge Border Indentees
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI C-5:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
Picture Courteous of Heritage Auctions.
GWI 12-D THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: Rusty Silver With Green Encrustation Pockets.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Silver Wash or Tinned Copper.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: 72 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Fair/Good Planchet Condition, A Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is straight and intact, but appears crushed and broken open.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI 12 D- :
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Connecticut ~
Dug in a cellar hole in New London County CT in 2011 by Dave Wise 1/11 Dug Specimens.
The Dave Wise Collection 11 of 11
Link To Daves Story: http://metaldetectingforum.com/showthread.php?t=151719
GWI 12-B THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: A Nice Shade of Emerald Green
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-
Variety Type: 54 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information On GWI 12-B- :
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ X ~
Dug in Virginia.
The Dale Hawley Collection.
GWI 12-C THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: Dark Olive Brown
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-2
Variety Type: 63 Edge Border Indentees
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI C-6:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
GWI 12-B THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: A Brass Yellow With Coppery Undertones.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-
Variety Type: 54 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Casting, Fair/Good Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is re-attached.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI 12-B :
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Oklahoma ~
Heritage Auctions December 15, 2005.
Previously the Steve Hayden Collection 2005-2010.
Previously the Isabela Collection in 2010.~
The Twyla Gray Collection 2010.
GWI 12-C THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR (Silvered Copper)
Color: My Black Eagle With Florescent Green and White
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Silvered Copper.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-2
Variety Type: 63 Edge Border Indentees
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: Nice greenish-black with silver highlights. Silvered specimens are extremely rare. 2 known.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI C-:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New York ~
This was Dug by Mike Williams in Poughkeepsie, New York.
RJ Silverstein’s Isabela Collection.~
GWI 12-B THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: A Dark Forest Green With a Brown Base.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-
Variety Type: 54 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is missing.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI 12-B :
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger is Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ North Carolina ~
Dug by Jimmy Hardison in 1981.
The J. Hardison Collection.
GWI 12-C THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: A Forest Green With Rusty Patches.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-
Variety Type: 63 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Fair Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: Known as the flash reverse.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. Flash Reverse
Library Records Has Limited Information On GWI 12-C- :
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ X ~
Two of three GWI 12-C Dug in Massachusetts, 1996.
The Dale Hawley Collection
GWI 12-B THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: A Rusty Brown and Green
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Silvered Copper.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-
Variety Type: 54 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is missing.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI 12-B :
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
Picture Courteous of Heritage Auctions.
GWI 12-C THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR:
Color: A Forest Green With Rusty Patches.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-
Variety Type: 63 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Fair Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information On GWI 12-C- :
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ X ~
Three of three GWI 12-C Dug in Massachusetts, 1996.
The Dale Hawley Collection.
GWI 12-B THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: A Rusty Brown and Green
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Copper.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-
Variety Type: 54 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Fair Planchet Condition, A Fair Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is straight and intact, but a replacement.
Library Records Has Limited Information on GWI 12-B :
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
Picture Courteous of Heritage Auctions.
GWI 12-C THE EAGLE WITH ESTOILE TYPE STAR
Color: Brass Yellow.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-
Variety Type: 63 Edge Border Indentees.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Exceptional Planchet Condition, An Exceptional Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. Flash Reverse.
Library Records Has Limited Information On GWI 12-C- :
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Virginia ~
The Bill Henderson Collection.