1789 George Washington Inaugural Button GWI 13-B
The Heraldic Eagle W/ An
Eight Point Estoile Type Star
*
GWI 13-A, B, C, D, E, & F THE EAGLE WITH AN EIGHT POINT ESTOILE TYPE STAR: This button was produced in brass and copper. Most variant had a Gilt Finish. The Size for A, B, C, D, & F is 34mm, and the size for F is 34/35mm. All the Varieties vary in their rarity rating, but GWI 13 must have been as popular as GWI 1 & 12 due to the number of different variants produced. GWI 13-A through F are all R-5 or R-7. GWI 13 A , B, & C has either 20, 21, 24,or even 27 Oak Leaves. This is just due to the number of different dies cut for production. This leads me to believe the popularity the design itself was as significant enough to rival the sales of GWI 1, 11 & 12. GWI A, B & C all have a Single Line Slash separating each of the Oak Leaves. The Oak Leaf is a historical symbol used in many cultures throughout the world portraying strength, endurance, and longevity. Oak leaves were usually associated with the military due to it’s historical origin use by Roman soldiers. Since different dies were cut for this variant, I decided to just break it down into sub- variants labeled A, B, & C. GWI 13-A has 20 or 21 Oak Leaves. GWI 13-B usually protrays 24 or 25 Oak Leaves. GWI-C has 27 Leaves. All sub-variants have the single line slash border.
GWI 13 D appears to be the rarest variant in the GWI 13 series and displays a Plain Flat Disk Border which is separated from the design by an incuse ring.
GWI 13 E & F depicts the Eye of Providence in the legend. Each eye of providence appears to be encompassed by a stipple Half Moon Shape design. GWI 13-E has 20 distinct Eye of Providence markings in the legend. GWI-E depicts either a Triple Line (3 Roads?) separator. This could be a masonic variant and more location research could be done.
All GWI 13 inaugural celebratory buttons depicts a Federal Eagle proudly spaying its wings under an Estoile type Star. This could have religious significance to Inanna /Iona. There appears to be eight eggs circling a ninth in the center. This could have a re-birth message for our country. The eagle is a reflection of the Great Seal of the United States In the Eagle’s left talon is a bundle of three arrows. This usually represents the legislative, judicial, and executive branch. If you follow my research you know this to be an Allusion. The three arrows is the symbol of the Royal Company of Archers in Scotland, and it’s use by Robert Scot is his designs is to symbolize the loyalty of the Scottish High Society Families in America to the House of Stuart. In the Federal Eagles right talon is the Olive Branch, which is the ancient Roman symbol for peace. As with all other GWI buttons the Eagles head is wisely turned towards the Olive Branch to show that our country’s sentiments and preference was for peace. Covering over the Eagle’s chest is an early design for the Federal Shield. It has Seven Horizontal Dots across the top portion of the shield, and Six Vertical Stripes going across the lower portion of the shield. This design represents the original Thirteen States that ratified the Constitution and unified under our new Federal government. The GWI 13 series are all flat one-piece buttons that have a soldered on loop shanks
Robert’s Collector Notes in Die Variants:
* I was able to introduce Two New Sub-Varieties in the GWI 13 Variant: GWI 13-E & F. This will help distinguish between the six known dies. The original GWI 13 variant commonly had a Flash reverse from stamping or rolling.
GWI 13-A.1 THE EAGLE WITH AN EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: Hershey’s Mix of Chocolate!
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 20-1 Oak Leaf Punch Marks, 20 Single Slash Line Border.
Present Condition: A Non Dug Specimen, A Strong Planchet Condition Remains, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is a really nice example with a nice chocolate color mix. The brass planchet is solid and flat, and shows no metal fatigue or deterioration. The surface has a few light scratches from past cleanings, but they appears to have blended in with the patina since. The Eagle still retains a good strike outline, except for the tip of the Beak, and the bottom edges of the Wings and Tail Feathers. Unfortunately, the button has lost it’s inner feather details because of it’s age and wear, but still gives a good presentation. The Liberty Shield still has a good strike outline, but only shows the perimeter dots on the right hand side. The inner vertical stripes and horizontal dots are all nicely impressed and easy to see. The Laurel Stem still retains a good strike impression, and shows a clear image of the stem, and all the individual petals. Unfortunately, the Eagle’s other talon which holds the small Bundle of Arrows, doesn’t retain a clear image. The shafts and tips are pretty much worn flat into the surface. The Estoile Star/Sun has a good strong impression, and shows a clear image of all the individual rays. Even the individual center circles are easily viewed. The Stippled Ring around the border still holds a nice impression, but has some shallow spots around the four o’clock position. The Leaf Pattern Punch Marks all show nice deep strikes, but unfortunately the position is inaccurately stamped between the Slash Line Borders. The Single Slash Line Borders are all evenly spaced, and nicely struck. Overall this is an exceptional example of this rare variety, and has a nice milk chocolate color shade throughout.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. The surface shows the rare strike through reverse.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 13 A-1:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
GWI 13-B THE EAGLE WITH AN EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Nice Gilt Brass W/ Rainbow Iridescent Undertones .
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34.07mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 25 Oak Leaf Punch Marks, 25 Slash Line Border
Present Condition: This is a Non Dug Specimen, A Strong Planchet Condition Remains, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: If i had to pick a button for myself this would be in the top three. This GWI has been lightly cleaned in the past, but has naturally re-toned since. The brass planchet is solid and flat, and shows no metal fatigue or deterioration. The surface smooth without any pitting or harsh scratches. The Eagle has a strong outline for a GWI 13 Specimen with a nice clear impression.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. The obverse design was struck hard enough that the design shows flash visibly on the reverse in raised relief. There is no scratches or abrasions to the surface.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 13 B-1:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: New Windsor, N.Y.
The RJ. Silverstein’s Isabela Collection.
GWI 13-C.1 THE EAGLE WITH AN EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: Brass Yellow with a Golden-Pale Green Patina.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 27 Oak Leaf Punch Marks, 27 Single Slash Line Border.
Present Condition: A Non Dug Specimen, A Strong Planchet Condition Remains, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This Cobb example has a nice warm aged feel to it. The brass planchet is solid and flat, and shows no signs of metal fatigue or deterioration. The button was noted to be cleaned by Cobb, (as with all his buttons) but this one has started to re-tone nicely since. The surface unfortunately shows some small pits and micro porosity, but nothing on a big scale. The only problem with the surface is that there is numerous scratches and abrasions throughout. The Eagle shows a good strike outline for the head and most of the body, but there is some weakness for the top of the left leg and wing. They appear to be wearing flat into the surface. As for the inner feather details, they are also showing semi flat images. The Liberty Shield still retains a visible outline, but shows a weak strike, and the perimeter dots are worn smooth into the surface. Fortunately, the inner horizontal dots and vertical stripes have a clear impression and image. The Laurel Stem has a good deep strike, and shows most of the individual petals clearly. The Bundle of Arrows in the Eagle’s left talon is unfortunately worn flat and barely recognizable. They only shows a faint image of the Nock Feathers, and remnant images of two of the three Arrow Heads. The Estoile Star/ Sun has a strong impression, and shows all the individual long and short rays clearly. The center dots are unfortunately muted, and worn flat into the surface. The Stippled Ring around the periphery is barely skin deep, but still holds a visible image all the way around. The Leaf Pattern Punch Marks have a strong impression, are fabulously clear and evenly spaced. This might be the best representation of Leaf design from all the known existing examples. The Single Slash Line Border is lightly struck in areas, but evenly spaced. This button is still a nice example of this rare variety. Unfortunately it the lacks inner details to make it exceptional, but the button is used and 225 years old.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. The Design shows through the back from the original die strike. A few scratches and abrasions, but nothing to detract.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 13 C-1:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
GWI 13-D Plate example W/ Plain Legend
*Dale Hawley Previously Dug this Specimen, but deteriorated it by trying to stabilize it.
GWI 13-F THE EAGLE WITH AN EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Gilt Brass Design over A Suede Brown Base.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Hand Engraved Design, Brass.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 24 Eye of Providence Indentees, Half Moon Border.
Present Condition: A Non Dug Specimen, A Good Planchet Condition Remains, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: Even though re-tooled, this button is one of my favorite designs. The button is Hand Fashioned after it was excavated, and who ever did it i offer my Congratulations on a job extremely well done. The brass planchet is unfortunately corroded, and shows some micro porosity, even after it was high speed buffed with a cloth wheel. The surface is flat and smooth, and has a nice even color throughout. The Eagle is still nicely etched out, and shows strong detail in the Beak, Tail and Wing Feathers. The Wing Feathers unfortunately do not show the small round bead cuts which gives the Gilt a sparkling effect when hit by candle or sunlight. The Liberty Shield has a nice outline, but doesn’t display all the perimeter dots individuality. The inner detail of the horizontal dots and vertical stripes have an excellent re-tooled image. The Laurel Stem is clearly visible, and shows a good outline of all the individual petals. The Bundle of Arrows in the Eagle’s left talon was nicely re-brought out, which is hard to accomplish. There is a slight altercation by of the artists rendition of how the nock feathers should be, but the person did a nice job re-tooling it with a texture. The Estoile type Star is nice portrayed. Clearly shows the 9 dot center, as well as the long , short, and wavy lines. The Stipples in the Ring around the periphery is unfortunately muted into each other. He did do a good job bringing the pattern back to the surface, and does show well. The Oblong Indents are nicely shown, and evenly spaced inside the Half Moon Borders. The Half Moon borders show clearly etched lines, and proportionately spaced to fit the Oblong Indents within. Overall, this a great example and should be cherished as a prize for this sub-variety of GWI 13.
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 GWI 13 E-1:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
GWI 13-E THE EAGLE WITH AN EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Painters Palette.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 20 Oblong Indents, 21 Triple Line Border.
Present Condition: A Dug Specimen, A Fair Planchet Condition Remains, A Fair Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This variation with the triple line crimped border makes a nice addition to this variety. The brass planchet appears to be solid and flat, but shows metal fatigue with corrosion and porous areas. The surface appears a bit course, and shows light scratches and abrasions throughout. Except for the head, most of the Eagle’s body shows a strong outline strike with a clear image. Even the inner feather details in the wings are nicely shown. The button no longer holds an image for the Laurel Stem or any of the petals. They are just worn flat into the surface. The Bundle of Arrows still has a vague image and impression, but it is mostly decayed into the surface. The Liberty Shield shows a deep stamp, but no clear detail of the perimeter dots. The inner details of the horizontal dots and vertical stripes within the shield no longer shows. The Estoile Star/Sun still has a nice strike impression, and has a nice image of most of it’s individual rays. The Stippled Ring around the periphery shows a nice impression, but does have some flat / wear spots. The Triple line crimped border still shows strong strikes with good depth. The oblong indents in-between are mostly corroded and decayed into the surface. Overall the button has retained some good impressions for clear identity, just wish the Eagles head wasn’t worn flat into the surface.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is reportedly original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 13 F-1:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
GWI 13-A THE EAGLE WITH AN EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Light Whitish-Orange Tinge.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Copper.
Size: 34mm.
Rarity: R-6 (Only Copper Known)
Variety Type: 21 Oak Leaf Punch Marks, 22 Single Slash Line Border.
Present Condition: A Non Dug Specimen, A Good Planchet Condition Remains, A Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is the only specimen to date that is known to be Copper. This button was once owned by Harold Cobb, and he was known to have cleaned and polished most of his buttons, so that would probably account for the button’s lustrous bright color. The softer copper planchet is solid and flat, and shows no metal fatigue or deterioration. The button is said to have an unevenness to the surface, but from the photo’s provided it must be very slight because it’s hard to detect. The surface unfortunately shows numerous scratches and abrasions, but fortunately there is no micro porosity or pitting. The outline of the Eagle is nicely stamped, but unfortunately the inner details of the wing and tail feathers is worn flat into the surface. The Liberty Shield is also clearly outlined, but only shows the left half of the perimeter dots. The inside horizontal dots and vertical stripes only have weak impressions, but luckily still holds a viewable worn image. The Laurel Stem is still clearly shown with all the individual petals. The Bundle of Arrows has a weak impression for the shafts, but it does have some remnant images for the arrow heads and nock feathers. The Estoile Star/ Sun is mostly worn flat, and doesn’t shows all the individual rays clearly. The center’s dots are completely absent from the Estoile. The Stippled Ring on the periphery still holds a nice impression, and a decent image. The Leaf Pattern Punch Marks around the border have a nice impression, but demonstrate die fatigue from the original manufacturing. Also, some of the Leaf Pattern punch marks are ill shaped, and have a dis-apportioned size to one another. Plus the die strike shows there offset from the correct positioning. The Slash Line Border still holds a good deep impression, but the die strikes doesn’t have the proper spacing for the 21 indents in-between. All in all, it is a good representation of this variety.
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 GWI 13 A-2:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
Stacks Auctions January 2003.~
Harold Cobb/Descendants 1959 to 2003.~
Cobb Purchased this from Arthur Wilson in 1959.~
Possibly from the George Servis Collection Prior Arthur Wilson’s ownership.~
GWI 13-B THE EAGLE WITH AN EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Nice Burnished Two Tone Coppery-Brown with Lighter Reddish-Brown Highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 25 Oak Leaf Punch Marks, 25 Single Slash Line Border.
Present Condition: A Non Dug Specimen, A Strong Planchet Condition Remains, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: Another exceptional example with great color tone. The brass planchet is solid and flat, and shows no metal fatigue or deterioration. The surface was noted to be burnished long ago, and has given it a smooth glossy finish. There are no deep scratches or harsh abrasions, and the button is free of any pitting or micro porosity. The Eagle still retains a deep strike outline for the head, body, and wings, but unfortunately all the inner feather details are worn flat into the surface. The Liberty Shield has a deep stamped outline, but the perimeter dots are mostly worn flat into the surface. The shield’s inner horizontal dots and vertical stripes are still shown nicely. The Laurel Stem is also nicely stamped with a nice impression and has a strong image for all of it’s individual petals. As with all other known examples in this variety, the Bundle of Arrows has a poor strike impression, and a weak image of the arrow shafts and tips. The Estoile (6 pointed) Star/ Sun has a good strong impression, and shows all the individual long and short rays clearly. The center dots are still visible with this example, but they lack a deep stamp to show all the individual dots clearly. The Stippled Ring around the periphery is only skin deep, and worn flat around the 2:30 to 3:30 position. The Leaf Pattern Punch Marks are nicely stamped, and in the correct position between the Slash Line Borders. The Single Slash Line Borders are evenly spaced, and nicely struck for depth. Overall this button is definitely a gem with a lot of strong design attributes. This would make a wonderful addition to anyone’s GW collection.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. The surface is smooth without any pitting or harsh abrasions.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 13 B-2:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
*** *** ***
GWI 13-F THE EAGLE WITH AN EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
*American Student Artisan Rendition / Made in U.S.A. !
Color: A Soft Brown With Gilt Highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Hand Engraved Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: 24 Eye of Providence Indentees, Half Moon Border.
Present Condition: A Dug Specimen, A Good Planchet Condition Remains, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This a great example and should be cherished as a prize for this sub-variety of GWI 13.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. Lathe Turn Back. The shank is original, straight, and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 13 E-2:
History: No Recorded Sales Price Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
Great Button!
GWI 13-F THE EAGLE WITH AN EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Polished Gilt Design with Brownish Black Base and Green Encrustations.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Hand Fashioned Design, Gilt Brass. (Possibly hand fashioned afterward)
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 25 Eye of Providence Indentees, Half Moon Border.
Present Condition: A Dug Specimen, A Poor Planchet Condition Remains, A Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: Even though excavated, this button has some great retained characteristics. The button could be Hand Fashioned afterward to make the design sparkle in the sun with the Gilt. The brass planchet is unfortunately corroded, and shows some small pits and micro porosity. The surface has an even granular texture instead of flat and smooth. The Eagle is still nicely outlined, and has a stronger then usual detail in the Beak, Tail and Wing Feathers. The Wing Feathers also has small round bead cuts which gives the Gilt a sparkling effect when hit by the sunlight. That right there makes this an awesome example to own! The Liberty Shield still shows a nice outline, but doesn’t display all the perimeter dots unfortunately. The inner detail of the horizontal dots and vertical stripes still present a good image. Only some of the dots aren’t viewable anymore. The Laurel Stem is clearly visible, and shows a good outline of all the individual petals. The Bundle of Arrows in the Eagle’s left talon is no longer clearly pictured. There are only faint remnant outlines of the nock feathers and arrow tips. The shafts themselves are either corroded over, or worn flat into the surface. The Estoile Star/Sun is definitely a strong point of the button. It is boldly shown above the Eagle’s head with excellent clarity. All the circular dots in the center, and the long and short rays have a good clear image. The Stippled Ring around the periphery is unfortunately corroded or worn flat. Only a few partial images remain. The Oblong Indents are nicely struck, and evenly spaced inside the Half Moon Borders. The Half Moon borders are clearly etched, and proportionately spaced to fit the Oblong Indents within. This is demonstrated by gaps between some of the half moons and an overlap by the nine o’clock position. Even though the surface is corroded, this devices strong engravings make it a Jewel.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. (Unknown description).
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 13 E-3:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
Found under an old oak tree on a Colonial Home site in Maryland, October 2008.~
GWI 13-E THE EAGLE WITH AN EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Greenish Brown Patina.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 20 Eye of Providence Indentees, 21 Triple Line Border.
Present Condition: A Dug Specimen, A Good Planchet Condition Remains, A Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This variation with the triple line crimped border makes a nice addition to this variety. The brass planchet appears to be solid and flat, but shows metal fatigue with corrosion and porous areas. The surface appears a bit course, and shows light scratches and abrasions throughout. Except for the head, most of the Eagle’s body shows a strong outline strike with a clear image. Even the inner feather details in the wings are nicely shown. The button no longer holds an image for the Laurel Stem or any of the petals. They are just worn flat into the surface. The Bundle of Arrows still has a vague image and impression, but it is mostly decayed into the surface. The Liberty Shield shows a deep stamp, but no clear detail of the perimeter dots. The inner details of the horizontal dots and vertical stripes within the shield no longer shows. The Estoile Star/Sun still has a nice strike impression, and has a nice image of most of it’s individual rays. The Stippled Ring around the periphery shows a nice impression, but does have some flat / wear spots. The Triple line crimped border still shows strong strikes with good depth. The oblong indents in-between are mostly corroded and decayed into the surface. Overall the button has retained some good impressions for clear identity, just wish the Eagles head wasn’t worn flat into the surface.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is reportedly original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 13 F-2:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New Jersey ~
This Button is part of the Bergen County Historical Society Member’s Collection.~
GWI 13-F THE EAGLE AN WITH EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Rusty Brown With Gold Highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 25 Eye of Providence Indentees, Half Moon Border.
Present Condition: A Dug Specimen, A Fair Planchet Condition Remains, A Fair Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: Well if you need an example for your collection and don’t care about condition, this would be the button for you. The surface is corroded, pitted and porous. The Eagle is barely outlined, and only shows remnants of it’s original design. The Liberty Shield still has an impression, and surprisingly shows all the stripes and a few of the dots. The Laurel Stem and it’s Petals are unfortunately worn off and corroded into the surface; along with the Bundle of Arrows in the Eagle’s other talon. The Estoile Star still has a slight remnant image of it’s original impression, but it is barely recognizable. The Oblong Indents still show images in some spots, but the button’s surface corrosion and decay has covered over them. The Rare Half Moon Border is still fortunately recognizable, but then again corrosion and deterioration from being buried has taken its toll. I would guess this example has been buried in or near ground water for many years.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 13 E-4:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Massachusetts ~
Dug in a Farm Field by Craig Coon in October 2013.
GWI 13-E THE EAGLE WITH AN EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Dark Brown.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Hand Engraved Design, Brass.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: 24 Eye of Providence Indentees, Half Moon Border.
Present Condition: A Dug Specimen, A Fair Planchet Condition Remains, 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 GWI 13 E-1:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: Earth
The Dale Hawley Collection.
GWI 13-F THE EAGLE AN WITH EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Dark Brownish-Green Patina.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 25 Eye of Providence Indentees, Half Moon Border.
Present Condition: A Dug Specimen, A Poor Planchet Condition Remains, A Poor Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: Well if you need an example for your collection and don’t care about condition, this would be the button for you. The surface is corroded, pitted and porous. The Eagle is barely outlined, and only shows remnants of it’s original design. The Liberty Shield still has an impression, and surprisingly shows all the stripes and a few of the dots. The Laurel Stem and it’s Petals are unfortunately worn off and corroded into the surface; along with the Bundle of Arrows in the Eagle’s other talon. The Estoile Star still has a slight remnant image of it’s original impression, but it is barely recognizable. The Oblong Indents still show images in some spots, but the button’s surface corrosion and decay has covered over them. The Rare Half Moon Border is still fortunately recognizable, but then again corrosion and deterioration from being buried has taken its toll. I would guess this example has been buried in or near ground water for many years.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The Shank is Straight and intact. The surface is heavily corroded and porous.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 13 E-5:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ West Virginia ~
This was Excavated by Lyle in Patterson, West Virginia on March 29th, 2011.~
The L. Landis Collection.
GWI 13-E THE EAGLE WITH AN EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: Brown With Orange Rusty Undertones.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34.25mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 20 Oblong Indents, 21 Tripple Line Border.
Present Condition: A Non Dug Specimen, A Fair Planchet Condition Remains, A Fair Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: A pretty neat variation of GWI 13 that shows a triple line crimped border. Unfortunately, the brass planchet shows extreme metal fatigue, and has heavy corrosion on the obverse and reverse. The surface is no longer even and flat. The surface shows multiple shallow depressions and a waviness to the planchet. The button’s surface has extremely micro porosity, and has deep pits in multiple areas. There are also scratches and abrasions throughout the surface. Only a few parts of the Eagle’s body show a remnant outline. The wings, tail feather and left leg has a shallow image. The rest of the inner details for the head, body, and wing feathers are just decayed, and worn flat into the surface. The Laurel Stem and Bundle of Arrows don’t have an image either. All the original design impressions are either decayed or corroded over. The Liberty Shield has a little bit of an outline, but no longer shows any of the perimeter dots. The inner vertical stripes and horizontal dots are also completely worn flat. The Estoile Star is probably the strongest design of the button. It still shows a good strike with all of it’s individual rays. The Stippled Ring around the periphery is mostly worn flat too, but does show in some spots. The Triple line crimped border still retains a good image in most spots, but most of the ovals in-between the lines are decayed into the surface. The button is in very rough condition from bring buried in the ground, and doesn’t warrant an expensive price tag just because of it’s rarity.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is missing, and the surface is corroded and porous.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 13 F-3:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
This was Excavated on General Grimes Family farm in Beaufort County, North Carolina.~
SGT Striker’s Civil War Trading Post of Ashland Virginia. Sold this in November 2011.
GWI 13-A THE EAGLE WITH AN EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: Milk Chocolate.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 20-1 Oak Leave Indents, 20 Slash Line Border.
Present Condition: A Non Dug Specimen, A Strong Planchet Condition Remains, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This button has a nice patina with some strong impressions. The brass planchet is solid and flat, and shows no metal fatigue or deterioration. The surface has a few light scratches, but they appear to have blended in with the button’s color. The Eagle has a strong outline with a good impression in most designs. Unfortunately, the button lacks clear inner detail for the feathers. The Liberty Shield shows a strong strike outline, but only shows the perimeter dots on the left hand side. The inner horizontal dots and vertical stripes still have a deep impression with a good image. The Laurel Stem is unfortunately worn smooth into the surface, and only shows a vague image. The Bundle of Arrows also lacks a clear image, and is barely noticeable. The Estoile Star/Sun only shows a few ray tip impressions. The center’s circles and ray lines are worn flat into the surface. The Stippled Ring can be seen, but does have numerous wear spots. The Leaf Pattern Punch Marks still show impressions, but there shape has decayed into oblong ovals. The Slash Line Border marks are evenly struck, but have decayed into the surface in most spots. Overall this is still a good example with a lot of retained attributes.
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 GWI 13 A-3:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
This was Excavated in Massachusetts in 2004.~
The Isabela Collection
GWI 13-B
*Another specimen of the Eagle Estoile Type Star was reported in 1947. This was found in a large collection of Indian trinkets and British uniform buttons, it was said to have been dug up from an ancient Indian burial ground which was turned into a farm along the Cowliz River in the State of Washington.
The first Debut of the 21 Oblong Punch-marks was shown in the National Button Bulletin in September 1947, Then again in January,1950.
Later David F. Johnson referred to it as, “the Notched Edge Variety” in the magazine “Just Buttons” April 1953 issue.