New Nation Tribute Buttons
~ The Isabela Collection ~
Don’t Like My Flag, Leave My Country !
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************* ********** GWI 15 ********** *************
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NNT 15-A & B The Great Seal of the United States. Past authors and researchers labeled this button as, “GWI 15 Federal Eagle With Morning Glory Above”: This button was designed and engraved by Robert Scot and his Philadelphia Artisans. Most likely a James Trenchard design. This New Nation Tribute button was designed to celebrate the birth of the New Republic which coincided with George Washingtons inauguration on April 30th 1789. The design clearly has the federal governments Great Seal which was introduced by William Barton in 1787.
Robert Scot and his Philadelphia Artisans depiction of the Morning Glory is a positive aspirational message for the dreams of the New Republic. The artisans wanted to capture the hopes and dreams of all the patriots who sacrificed for the opportunity to have a country that offered unity, prosperity, and independence. The morning glory design was able to capture the true Spirit of 76 with this design. The true intended meaning the 13 Stars Arched over the Eagle’s head is representative of the 13 states which ratified the U.S. Constitution, and united as one nation under God. By state unification America can rise up with the grace of God and take it’s place amongst the Constellations in the heavens as the other world nations did.
In recent years a few new specimens have turned up by metal detector enthusiasts. This allowed me to introduce for the first time a new Sub-Variant GWI 15-B.1. I was able to physically examine 3 different specimens i purchase over the years in-hand, and i was able to determine the buttons were most likely all made of brass and not copper. All GWI 15 variants were high quality buttons produced with a Gilt or Silver-Wash finish. As with George Washington inaugural buttons, these New Nation Tribute buttons would have been geared toward high society individuals. The buttons most likely would have ordered through a jeweler, a fashion magazine, or purchased through a local fine clothier when ordering a new jacket and wanted to trim it it with a prideful reverence of our country. Since, very few specimens have surfaced, i have come to a few conclusions. First, this tells me this design was probably only produced for a short time in the celebratory years of 1789-93, and produced in a limited quantity for lack of sales. Most people’s fidelity was toward George Washington who was seen as the father of our country. His buttons held a bigger significance to the countryman. Unfortunately, since there was only a limited number of specimens known to exist, and all dug specimens, this serves to show few were purchased and kept as heirlooms for the meaningful event of establishing a federal government.
I am scared to assign a number value, because I understand the weight of my name in a market that fails to establish a fair market value. These are highly important celebratory buttons also designed by Robert Scot’s and his Philadelphia Artisans in Tribute to our New Republic taking a place on the worlds stage.
2018 GWI 15 Collector Warning
There are several Forgeries of NNT 15 that has recently showed up in 3 separate auctions from December 2017, and January 2018. If you have purchased one recently & have doubt to it’s authenticity, Please visit our forgery section and get enlightened to improve your education in spotting fakes! You cannot rely on COA’s anymore from reputable auction houses that will not provide a lifetime guarantee of your money back. So, faster you get evidence the easier the return. We take a natural position and understand that these forgeries are produced by cutting edge technology, and button dealers and auction house personal are not educated or equip to evaluate the buttons authenticity. There is no blame here for lack of education in a changing technological world.
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James Trenchard was designing Morning Glory Depictions in several Mediums during the 1790’s.
************* GWI 15 **************
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1784 St.Pauls Chapel Painting in NYC
Artisans Robert Scot, James Thackera, Samuel Allerdice, Frances Shallus.
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New Nation Tribute Button Description
The Size for both GWI 15-A & B is around 32mm. with an RV-5 rarity rating. Unlike other GWI’s or celebratory buttons that were made in this era, the Eagle’s head is facing to the left. This would be a stand-out characteristic for me as a GWI collector, but it is in accordance with other GWI inaugurals celebratory buttons, and the country’s sentiment for peace. Blazoned across the eagle’s chest is a US Federal Shield. There are 13 Thin Horizontal Stripes above, and 13 Bar Type Vertical Strips below. This is a direct representation of the 13 States that united, ratified the US Constitution, and were instrumental in the configuration of a New Federal Government. In the eagle’s right talon is a Bundle of Six Arrows. This is another stand-out characteristic that is unlike other inaugural celebratory buttons who sport Three Arrows to represent the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches. One possibility is that it could represent the State of Massachusetts. There Patriot fighting men were key and instrumental during the American Revolution. Also, Massachusetts was the 6th state to join the union on February 6, 1788. In the eagle’s left talon there is unusual depiction of what appears to be Stalks of Wheat instead of the usual GWI olive branch. This is a direct reference to America being recognized by the world as a Fertile Farm Basket. In GWI 15-A, the button depicts the Morning Glory above the Eagle’s head with 13 Raised Six-Pointed Stars. In GWI 15-B there are 13 Six-Pointed Stars that are Impressed & Outlined. Collectors should take note of that subtle difference. Most Collectors believe that the Morning Glory is another representation of the 13 states that is portrayed on the Great Seal of the United States. It is my conclusion, The real meaning behind the Morning Glory is a kind of divinity announcement for America on a World’s Stage. Remember, most George Washington inaugural buttons have a divinity part to them! These Master-Mason Artisan always placed divinity by the use of Heraldry in “Plain Sight.” The Morning Glory begins above the Eagle’s head with a small series of Swirling Clouds in a small pyramidal shape. Emerging from these swirling clouds are Thirteen Sun Rays that shoot upward toward the Thirteen Six-Pointed Stars. Above this is a larger set of Thirteen Roiling Clouds. The combination of 13 Stars, and 13 Clouds forms to what is called a “Morning Glory“. A New Dawn on a New Country for it’s People to have a New Fresh Start.
GWI 15-A FEDERAL EAGLE WITH A MORNING GLORY ABOVE
Color: Iridescent Silver.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Low Relief Engraving, Silver-Wash Copper.
Size: 32mm.
Rarity: R-4
Variety Type: Bundle of Six Arrows / Stalks of Wheat / 13 Six-Pointed Stars.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Exceptional Planchet Condition Remains, A Good Relief PatternRemains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This New Nation Tribute button was cut in Low Relief. As with other New National Tribute buttons the pattern depicts a variation of The Great Seal of the United States and a Morning Glory. The spread eagle’s head is facing left under a Star Filled Morning Glory, that is below another set of Roiling Clouds. In the Eagle’s right talon is a small Bundle of Six Arrows pointing upward. In the Eagle’s left talon is what I believe to be Stalks of Wheat possibly to represent America’s fertile farm land. On the Eagle’s chest is a lined Federal Shield. Directly above the Eagle’s head is a set of Five Small Semi-Circular Clouds. Emerging from behind these clouds is the rays of a New Morning Sun. This is depicted by a series of Triple Line Rays shooting out toward the heavens. Encompassing half way around the rays in an arc of Thirteen Five Pointed Stars. These stars symbolize the thirteen states unified states that ratified the New Constitution. Directly above the stars is a series of Eight more Swirling Clouds in a semi-circular pattern.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The Shank is original, straight and intact. The surface shows metal corrosion from ground action.
GWI 15-A FEDERAL EAGLE WITH A MORNING GLORY ABOVE
Color: Silver or White Wash.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Low Relief Engraving, Silver-Wash Copper.
Size: 32mm.
Rarity: R-4
Variety Type: Bundle of Six Arrows / Stalks of Wheat / 13 Six-Pointed Stars.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Good Relief Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This New Nation Tribute button was cut in Low Relief. Unfortunately, the button shows metal fatigue, flaking, chipping, and corrosion all over the surface. There was some collector speculation that these buttons were painted or washed with a pigment of different colors that were baked in. The only GWI button I could confirm that was with GWI 27 with 15 stars. To support this notion (since anything is possible) we have to look at two important facts. First, this was a high end expensive button that was finished in either a Silver or Gold Wash. So pigmenting a color on top of silver or gold would make no sense. I would consider the idea that after the button was a few years old a person who considered it of no value would want to embellish it to be participate in some kind of current fashion of the time. So, it is my belief this would not have been done until years after the direct purchase some years later.
This button’s surface unfortunately shows flaking, and chipping of the Silver-Wash right down to the bare metal. Obviously the result of ground action. As with other New National Tribute buttons the pattern depicts a variation of The Great Seal of the United States and a Morning Glory. The spread eagle’s head is facing left under a Star Filled Morning Glory, that is below another set of Roiling Clouds. In the Eagle’s right talon is a small Bundle of Six Arrows pointing upward. In the Eagle’s left talon is what I believe to be Stalks of Wheat possibly to represent America’s fertile farm land. On the Eagle’s chest is a lined Federal Shield. Directly above the Eagle’s head is a set of Five Small Semi-Circular Clouds. Emerging from behind these clouds is the rays of a New Morning Sun. This is depicted by a series of Triple Line Rays shooting out toward the heavens. Encompassing half way around the rays in an arc of Thirteen Five Pointed Stars. These stars symbolize the thirteen states unified states that ratified the New Constitution. Directly above the stars is a series of Eight more Swirling Clouds in a semi-circular pattern.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The Shank is original, straight and intact. The surface shows metal fatigue, corrosion, pits, and huge porous areas.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 15 A-1:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Maryland ~
The D. Moore Collection.
Excavated at an Old Tavern Site in Somerset County Maryland, September 2002
GWI 15-B FEDERAL EAGLE WITH MORNING GLORY ABOVE
Color: A Silvery-Brown.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Low-Relief Engraving, Silver-Wash Copper.
Size: 32mm.
Rarity: R-4
Variety Type: Bundle of Six Arrows / Stalks of Wheat / 13 Impressed & Outlined Six-Pointed Stars.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Low Relief Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This die variant is very similar to GWI 15-A’s pattern, but a different style eagle is depicted. I believe this pattern was made by the same Master-Mason and his Fellow-Craft level apprentices. The planchet appears solid, and shows very little environmental corrosion. Unfortunately, the edge looks purposefully damaged, as if someone used a file on the edges in some areas. I cannot see the benefit of giving the button a reed edge. What I can see is an illiterate person thinking it was Silver and shaving off the edges. This was a common practice of the era, but only speculation on my part. There is also number of small knife cuts and nicks all along the bottom of the device. Otherwise, the copper planchet remains solid. The button shows a few light scratches and abrasions to the surface, and also has some chipping and flaking to the Silver’s finish. There is one detracting scratch starts from the top of the eagle’s leg, and moves across the right wing and into the open field. As with all known New Nation Tribute buttons, the pattern depicts a variation of The Great Seal of the United States and a Morning Glory above. The detail of work that went into making the eagles feathers in it’s neck, wings, legs and tail show an extreme quality of detail for a life-like depiction. This would have been a work of art for that era, that in my opinion could have only been produced by a Master. Not an untrained or self-taught engraver. Most likely this person would have been known for high quality Jewelry of the era. GWI 15-B depicts a Federal-Type Spread Eagle that is facing left. In this depiction the eagle has a Flailing Tongue as if screeching. In the Eagle’s right talon is a small Bundle of Six Arrows pointing upward. In the Eagle’s left talon is what I believe to be Stalks of Wheat to represent America’s fertile farm land. On the Eagle’s chest is a lined Federal Shield. Directly above the Eagle’s head is a set of Five Small Semi-Circular Clouds. Emerging from behind these clouds is the Sun Rays of the New Morning Sun. This is shown by a series of Sun Rays that are triple lines that shoot outwards the toward the heavens. Encompassing half way around the rays in an arc of Thirteen Impressed & Outlined Six Pointed Stars. These stars symbolize the thirteen states that ratified the New Constitution. Directly above the Stars is a series of Eight more Swirling Clouds in a semi-circular pattern. One should take note that the combination of both sets of clouds make Thirteen! The combination of 13 stars and 13 clouds forms to what is called a “Morning Glory“.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact, and appears to be in good condition. the reverse shows micro porosity, but no heavy nicks or scratches.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 15 B-1:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Virginia ~
The B J. Lucero Collection.
Excavated by a Treasure Hunter in Northern Virginia, November 2010
There is some supporting evidence that this button was originally made in South Carolina, the 8th state to sign the Constitution, but should be considered speculation for now. – Robert J. Silverstein
GWI 15-A FEDERAL EAGLE WITH A MORNING GLORY ABOVE
Color: Emerald Green With Gold-Wash Highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Low Relief Engraving, Gold-Wash Copper.
Size: 32mm.
Rarity: R-4
Variety Type: Bundle of Six Arrows / Stalks of Wheat / 13 Raised Six-Pointed Stars.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Good High Relief Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This button still retains a good strong patten. The button shows some metal fatigue and corrosion, but better then most dug due to watery ground action. As with other New National Tribute buttons the pattern depicts a variation of The Great Seal of the United States and a Morning Glory. The spread eagle’s head is facing left under a Star Filled Morning Glory, that is below another set of Roiling Clouds. In the Eagle’s right talon is a small Bundle of Six Arrows pointing upward. In the Eagle’s left talon is what I believe to be Stalks of Wheat possibly to represent America’s fertile farm land. On the Eagle’s chest is a lined Federal Shield. Directly above the Eagle’s head is a set of Five Small Semi-Circular Clouds. Emerging from behind these clouds is the rays of a New Morning Sun. This is depicted by a series of Triple Line Rays shooting out toward the heavens. Encompassing half way around the rays in an arc of Thirteen Raised Five Pointed Stars. These stars symbolize the thirteen states unified states that ratified the New Constitution. Directly above the stars is a series of Eight more Swirling Clouds in a semi-circular pattern.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The Shank is original, straight and intact. The surface shows some metal fatigue, corrosion, pits, and possibly a shovel strike from excavation.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 15 A-2:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Maryland~
The Tony LoSchiavo Collection.
Anthony Dug this in Southern Maryland in April of 2014
GWI 15-B FEDERAL EAGLE WITH MORNING GLORY ABOVE
Color: Brown with a Ghost White Image.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Low-Relief Engraving, Silver-Wash Copper.
Size: 30.40mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: Bundle of Six Arrows / Stalks of Wheat / 13 Raised Six-Pointed Stars.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Poor Relief Remains..
Obverse Button Analysis: When the digger called me to sell it, he sent me an image of a button in much better condition. I offered a fair market price, but he was greedy and thought he could get more if he cleaned it. Well he deteriorated it further and to it’s present condition and History lost a Good button. So, this button should serve as a Warning to people, don’t clean these buttons, there irreplaceable! The planchet remains solid, but unfortunately the button’s planchet shows corrosion and micro porosity throughout. As with other New Nation Tribute buttons the pattern depicts a variation of The Great Seal of the United States and a Morning Glory. The spread eagle’s head is facing left under a Star Filled Morning Glory, that is below another set of Roiling Clouds. In the Eagle’s right talon is a small Bundle of Six Arrows pointing upward. In the Eagle’s left talon is what I believe to be Stalks of Wheat possibly to represent America’s fertile farm land. On the Eagle’s chest is a lined Federal Shield. Directly above the Eagle’s head is a set of Five Small Semi-Circular Clouds. Emerging from behind these clouds is the rays of a New Morning Sun. This is depicted by a series of Triple Line Rays shooting out toward the heavens. Encompassing half way around the rays in an arc of Thirteen Raised Five Pointed Stars. These stars symbolize the thirteen states unified states that ratified the New Constitution. Directly above the Stars is a series of Eight more Swirling Clouds in a semi-circular pattern.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact, and appears to be in good condition. The reverse is corroded with slight porosity.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 15 B-2:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Oklahoma ~
The Gray Collection.
Previously the RJ. Silverstein’s Isabela Collection.
Dug by Tim Jeandrevin at the Henline School in February 2013.
GWI 15-A FEDERAL EAGLE WITH A MORNING GLORY ABOVE
Color: Silver With White Undertones.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Low Relief Engraving, Silver-Wash Copper.
Size: 32mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: Bundle of Six Arrows / Stalks of Wheat / 13 Raised Six-Pointed Stars.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Good High Relief Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is an exceptional specimen that has been able to retain almost all of the original die strike and Silver-Wash finish. The button does show some metal fatigue and corrosion due to ground action. As with other buttons in this series, the pattern depicts a variation of The Great Seal of the United States and a Morning Glory. The spread eagle’s head is facing left under a Star Filled Morning Glory, that is below another set of Roiling Clouds. In the Eagle’s right talon is a small Bundle of Six Arrows pointing upward. In the Eagle’s left talon is what I believe to be Stalks of Wheat possibly to represent America’s fertile farm land. On the Eagle’s chest is a lined Federal Shield. Directly above the Eagle’s head is a set of Five Small Semi-Circular Clouds. Emerging from behind these clouds is the rays of a New Morning Sun. This is depicted by a series of Triple Line Rays shooting out toward the heavens. Encompassing half way around the rays in an arc of Thirteen Raised Five Pointed Stars. These stars symbolize the thirteen states unified states that ratified the New Constitution. Directly above the stars is a series of Eight more Swirling Clouds in a semi-circular pattern.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The Shank is original, straight and intact. The surface shows some metal fatigue and corrosion.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 15 A-3:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Virginia ~
The Guy Spring Collection.
Dug in Dumfries, Virginia 2010.
GWI 15-A FEDERAL EAGLE WITH MORNING GLORY ABOVE
Color: A Coppery Colour.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Low-Relief Engraving, Brass.
Size: 32mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: Bundle of Six Arrows / Stalks of Wheat / 13 Raised Six-Pointed Stars.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Poor High Relief Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This button has some closer features to GWI 15-B then GWI 15-A. The planchet appears solid, but the pattern is almost completely worn down into the surface. As with other buttons in this series, the pattern depicts a variation of The Great Seal of the United States and a Morning Glory above. There is a Federal-Type Spread Eagle that is facing left. The eagle has a Flailing Tongue as if screeching. In the Eagle’s right talon is a small Bundle of Six Arrows pointing upward. In the Eagle’s left talon is what I believe to be Stalks of Wheat to represent America’s fertile farm land. On the Eagle’s chest is a lined Federal Shield. Directly above the Eagle’s head is a set of Five Small Semi-Circular Clouds. Emerging from behind these clouds is the Sun Rays of the New Morning Sun. This is shown by a series of Sun Rays that are triple lines that shoot outwards the toward the heavens. Encompassing half way around the rays in an arc of Thirteen Six Pointed Outlined Stars. These stars symbolize the thirteen states that ratified the New Constitution. Directly above the Stars is a series of Eight more Swirling Clouds in a semi-circular pattern. One should take note that the combination of both sets of clouds make Thirteen! The combination of 13 stars and 13 clouds forms to what is called a “Morning Glory“.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact, and appears to be in good condition. the reverse shows micro porosity, but no heavy nicks or scratches.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 15 A-4:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: No
Current Button Owner and Location: No
Simone Kincaid of the Idaho Button Society
Reported that a friend found this in a Box of Goodyear Buttons.
GWI 15-A FEDERAL EAGLE WITH A MORNING GLORY ABOVE
Color: A Greenish-Brown.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Low Relief Engraving, Gold-Wash Brass.
Size: 32mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: Bundle of Six Arrows / Stalks of Wheat / 13 Raised Six-Pointed Stars.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Poor High Relief Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: The button definitely shows metal fatigue,flaking, and corrosion throughout the surface from ground action. The button depicts a variation of the Great Seal of the United States and a Morning Glory. The spread eagle’s head is facing left under a Star Filled Morning Glory, that is below another set of Roiling Clouds. In the Eagle’s right talon is a small Bundle of Six Arrows pointing upward. In the Eagle’s left talon is what I believe to be Stalks of Wheat possibly to represent America’s fertile farm land. On the Eagle’s chest is a lined Federal Shield. Directly above the Eagle’s head is a set of Five Small Semi-Circular Clouds. Emerging from behind these clouds is the rays of a New Morning Sun. This is depicted by a series of Triple Line Rays shooting out toward the heavens. Encompassing half way around the rays in an arc of Thirteen Five Pointed Stars. These stars symbolize the thirteen states unified states that ratified the New Constitution. Directly above the stars is a series of Eight more Swirling Clouds in a semi-circular pattern.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The Shank is original, straight and intact. The surface shows some porous areas and corrosion.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 15 A-5:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Virginia ~
This Button was Dug in Rappahannock, VA
GWI 15-A FEDERAL EAGLE WITH A MORNING GLORY ABOVE
Color: Silver With White Undertones.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Low Relief Engraving, Silver-Wash Copper.
Size: 32mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: Bundle of Six Arrows / Stalks of Wheat / 13 Raised Six-Pointed Stars.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Strong High Relief Pattern Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This exceptional specimen has been able to retain almost all it’s Silver wash finish. The button does show some metal fatigue and corrosion due to ground action. As with other buttons in this series, the pattern depicts a variation of The Great Seal of the United States and a Morning Glory. The spread eagle’s head is facing left under a Star Filled Morning Glory, that is below another set of Roiling Clouds. In the Eagle’s right talon is a small Bundle of Six Arrows pointing upward. In the Eagle’s left talon is what I believe to be Stalks of Wheat possibly to represent America’s fertile farm land. On the Eagle’s chest is a lined Federal Shield. Directly above the Eagle’s head is a set of Five Small Semi-Circular Clouds. Emerging from behind these clouds is the rays of a New Morning Sun. This is depicted by a series of Triple Line Rays shooting out toward the heavens. Encompassing half way around the rays in an arc of Thirteen Raised Five Pointed Stars. These stars symbolize the thirteen states unified states that ratified the New Constitution. Directly above the stars is a series of Eight more Swirling Clouds in a semi-circular pattern.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The Shank is original, straight and intact. The surface shows some metal fatigue and corrosion.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 15 A-6:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Virginia ~
Dug by Roland F. in 1994 Dumfries, Virginia
GWI 15-A FEDERAL EAGLE WITH A MORNING GLORY ABOVE
Color: Silver With Gold-Wash Highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Low Relief Engraving, Gold Wash.
Size: 32mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: Bundle of Six Arrows / Stalks of Wheat / 13 Raised Six-Pointed Stars.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Strong High Relief Pattern Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This button still retains a good strong patten. The button shows some metal fatigue and corrosion, but better then most dug due to watery ground action. As with other New National Tribute buttons the pattern depicts a variation of The Great Seal of the United States and a Morning Glory. The spread eagle’s head is facing left under a Star Filled Morning Glory, that is below another set of Roiling Clouds. In the Eagle’s right talon is a small Bundle of Six Arrows pointing upward. In the Eagle’s left talon is what I believe to be Stalks of Wheat possibly to represent America’s fertile farm land. On the Eagle’s chest is a lined Federal Shield. Directly above the Eagle’s head is a set of Five Small Semi-Circular Clouds. Emerging from behind these clouds is the rays of a New Morning Sun. This is depicted by a series of Triple Line Rays shooting out toward the heavens. Encompassing half way around the rays in an arc of Thirteen Five Pointed Stars. These stars symbolize the thirteen states unified states that ratified the New Constitution. Directly above the stars is a series of Eight more Swirling Clouds in a semi-circular pattern.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The Shank is original, straight and intact. The surface shows some metal fatigue, corrosion, pits, and possibly a shovel strike from excavation.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 15 A-7:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New Jersey ~
Found by Doyle Thompson in 2013 in Howell.
GWI 15-A FEDERAL EAGLE WITH A MORNING GLORY ABOVE
Color: Rusty Brown with Silver highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Low Relief Engraving, Silver-Wash Copper.
Size: 32mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: Bundle of Six Arrows / Stalks of Wheat / 13 Raised Six-Pointed Stars.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, A FairPlanchet Condition, A Fair High Relief Pattern Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The Shank is poss a replacement, but is straight and intact. The surface shows some metal fatigue and corrosion.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 15 A-8:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Virginia ~
1 of 2 Dug by Alan at a Plantation in Middlesex, Virginia.
GWI 15-A FEDERAL EAGLE WITH A MORNING GLORY ABOVE
Color: Rusty Brown with Silver highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Low Relief Engraving, Silver-Wash Copper.
Size: 32mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: Bundle of Six Arrows / Stalks of Wheat / 13 Raised Six-Pointed Stars.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, A FairPlanchet Condition, A Fair High Relief Pattern Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The Shank is poss a replacement, but is straight and intact. The surface shows some metal fatigue and corrosion.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 15 A-9:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Virginia ~
2 of 2 Dug by Alan at a Plantation in Middlesex, Virginia.
GWI 15-A FEDERAL EAGLE WITH A MORNING GLORY ABOVE
Color: Rusty Brown with Silver highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Low Relief Engraving, Gilt Brass.
Size: 32mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: Bundle of Six Arrows / Stalks of Wheat / 13 Raised Six-Pointed Stars.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, A FairPlanchet Condition, A Fair High Relief Pattern Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis:
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The Shank is poss a replacement, but is straight and intact. The surface shows some metal fatigue and corrosion.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 15 A-10:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ West Virginia ~
Dug by Ashley Riggleman in Moorefield, West Virginia on 3-11-18
Just in time for Ashley’s Birthday..lol
Robert’s Notes to GWI 15
~ The Scottish Celebrating America as A New Nation ~
I believe that past researchers and button collectors have mistakenly attributed a group of buttons which I now call New Nation Tribute buttons as George Washington Inaugural Buttons. Past collectors believed that since this group was released and sold at the same time as George Washington Inaugurals that they are in fact George Washington Inaugural buttons that pay tribute to George Washington as being our 1st President. I believe this to be incorrect. It is my theory that this series of buttons along with GWI 2, 15, 26, & 28 was attributed to America being recognized as unified Nation on the worlds stage, not a commemorative paying tribute to George Washington. They were intentionally made by Robert Scot and his Philadelphia artisans as a specific type of commemorative that celebrates the Scottish history through the unification of the 13 states under a US Federal ratified Constitution. This underneath celebrates the restoration of social and economic power of Scottish high society loyal to the house of Stuart which would umbrella commercial trade under a new federal government. This New Nation Tribute button celebrates a variety of things simultaneously the country’s 1st birthday; also, a political achievement of it being the 1st time the Senate convened as a unified body under a newly created US Constitution.
There is nothing tributary on New Nation Tribute buttons toward George Washington, or him becoming our First President. The intent of the button’s depiction reflects the achievement of the Scottish high society enacting a new Federal Government. This is reflective of the use of the transformational Phoenix rebirth into the Eagle which ended up being the Great Seal of the United States. If one becomes a student of history such as myself, he will easily be able to identify other manufactured patriotic products of this time frame that use a form the Scottish Zoroastrian Templar Fire Pillar Phoenix symbols in conjunction with the United States, Stars, and Morning Glory as a celebratory sales item that honor this Scottish heritage and our new country. I believe National Tribute buttons were sold along side of George Washington Inaugural Buttons. I do value New Nation Tribute buttons just as high as GWI buttons, and attribute their rarity to a much higher degree because of their scarcity and Scottish transformational lineage into a New Republic.
Robert James Silverstein, Sept 27, 2009.