When The Long Road Leads to a Second Term
~ The Isabela Collection ~
GWI 18-A & B LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN: GWI 18 A & B’s design was produced by stamping a round blank copper and brass planchets. Most specimens had a gilt or silver finish applied after production. GWI 18-A is the larger coat size at 20mm. GWI 18-B is the smaller cuff size at 15mm. Both varieties have an R-5 Rating. GWI 18-A & B are both one-piece buttons and have soldered on loop shanks.
GWI 18 A & B’s pattern was not designed by Robert Scot or his Philadelphia artisans. This button was made for the inaugural celebration of George Washington’s 2nd term of office to reflect the entrance of Kentucky and Vermont into the union. GWI 18 A & B was made in England because of the ease of access to raw materials and manufacturing. The stars on the button themselves are not American, but common British style used on their goods of the era. These stars are not a reflection of ancient relies history or representative of Scottish Royal Culture. By 1792, all manufactured good representing the United States would have carried automatically 5 pointed stars. This leads me to brazenly speculate this steel die for production was also crafted in Birmingham England by their artisans. Meaning, this button was probably not as big of a seller in 1792 which would account for the low population number in surviving specimens
The button’s design depicts a Plain Field Center, which is circled by a Ring of Fifteen Six Pointed Stars. Encompassing the British style stars is a thin incuse Stipple Ring. This acts as a simple design separator for the inner Fifteen Star Pattern, and the outer Slogan around the border. Circling around the outside legend of the button is the popular inaugural day slogan, “Long Live The President.” This is inscribed in Roman Font Capital Letters. There is a Stipple in the bottom legend to denote the beginning and ending of the slogan.
Robert’s Collector Notes: – Two strong political reason for a new 15 star tribute pattern for George Washington’s Administration. First, Kentucky was originally part of Washington’s home state of Virginia. Second, this button is a reflection of a successful unity of the 15 states that ratified the U.S. Constitution. Since Tennessee (16) became part of the union on June 1st, 1796 we know production for the american celebratory market for this type of button probably has wained and not continued into the inauguration of John Adams.
Fact or Fiction: Washington was a Federalist? Fiction~ He never officially joined the Federalist Party even though he supported many of their Ideas and programs. He attempted to bring rival factions together to unify the nation. This was a big problem for Washington and his enlightened Revolutionaries who were trying to bring the Grand Architects Design to fruition. He was half heartedly in supporting Alexander Hamilton’s federalist programs to pay off all the state and national debts through the bank of New York, and with the implementation of an effective tax system, and to create a national bank. George Washington’s goal was to keep foreign European investment money like the Rothschild Family out of the United States for fear of foreign ownership.
GWI 18-A LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: A Brassy Gilt Color..
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 19.56mm. Vest Size.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Larger Fifteen Star Pattern.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Exceptional Planchet Condition, An Exceptional Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is probably the Best Known Specimen to exist. Finding GWI 18 that wasn’t dug is almost impossible to find on the market. The gilt brass planchet is solid and flat. The face shows a few light scratches, but nothing to detract from its beauty. The Fifteen Six Pointed Star Pattern is nicely impressed and has clear stamp lines within most stars. The inner Stippled Border Ring is nicely impressed and shows a strong image. The Roman Font Striped Capital Block Letters for the slogan have a nice impression that is easy to read. Gilt Remains on obverse.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 A-1:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New York ~
The RJ. Silverstein’s Isabela Collection.~
Previously, James Tarr Ownership.
GWI 18-A LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: A Dark Brown Stone.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 20mm. Vest Size.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Larger Fifteen Star Pattern.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Fair Planchet Condition Remains, A Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: For an excavated button the ground action’s color gives it charm and charisma. The brass planchet is still solid and flat, but it’s surface shows corrosion and decay. There is also a granular texture evenly across the surface, and it shows micro porosity throughout both sides. Unfortunately, most of the circling Fifteen Six Pointed Star Pattern is worn smooth into the surface. It only depicts a few vague star images. Same goes for the Stippled Border Ring. It only retains an image in a few small spots. The Roman Font Capital Block Letters for the slogan still retains a viewable impression that is easy to read.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. The surface is granular, corroded and porous.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 A-2:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New York ~
The RJ. Silverstein’s Isabela Collection.~
GWI 18-A LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: A Silver Patina with Coal Undertones
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Silvered Copper.
Size: 19.5mm Vest Size.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Larger Fifteen Star Pattern.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This button still retains a nice impressions in it’s soft copper planchet. The planchet has a granular texture on the obverse surface. The button appears to be solid and flat without any waviness to the planchet. Unfortunately, the button shows corrosion and micro porosity throughout the obverse and reverse. As far as the depiction, only eight of the Fifteen Six Pointed Star Pattern shows any kind of image. The rest of the stars are completely decayed, or worn flat into the surface. The incuse Stippled Ring image that encompasses the stars is almost completely absent, except for the smallest remnant by the beginning and ending of the motto. The Roman Font Capital Block Letters is the strongest retained design of this button. Most of the letters still depict a strong strike impression, and are still easily read. Only the “L” in LONG, and “E” & “S” in PRESIDENT show wear or deterioration. The Separation Stipple unfortunately doesn’t retain a viewable image.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. The surface has a granular texture, and shows pitting and micro porosity.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 A-3:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
GWI 18-A LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: A Brass Yellow
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 20mm Vest Size.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Larger Fifteen Star Pattern.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: Most likely the 2nd Best Known Specimen to exist. The brass planchet is solid and flat, and demonstrates little surface wear. The Fifteen Six Pointed Star Pattern is nicely impressed depicting the stamped lines within most stars. The Stippled Border Ring shows flat surface wear in two areas. The Roman Font Striped Capital Block Letters for the slogan have a strong viewable impression that is still easy to read. Gilt Remains.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 A-4:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
GWI 18-B LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: A Greenish Brown.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Stamped Brass.
Size: 15mm. Cuff Size.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Smaller 15 Star Pattern.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, A Good Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: The button’s brass planchet shows metal fatigue, corrosion, and decay from ground action. The Fifteen Six Pointed Star Pattern still retains a good image with a nice impression. The incuse Stippled Ring that surrounds the stars is easily seen and retains a nice impression. The Roman Font Capital Block Letters for the slogan are easy to read. All the letters have a nice impression with clean lines. The Separation Stipple retains a nice impression that is still easily seen.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 B-1:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New York ~
Paul’s Collection.
GWI 18-A LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: A Golden Brown with Green Encrustations.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Stamped Copper.
Size: 20mm. Vest Size.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Larger Fifteen Star Pattern.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Fair Planchet Condition, A Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: The planchet is solid and flat, but unfortunately shows signs of corrosion, microporosity, and small pitting. The plain center field on the obverse is a bit coarse from being porous, which gives it that rough tough texture look. The button’s depiction of the Fifteen Six Pointed Star Pattern still retains a clear image, and all of the six pointed fifteen stars have a nice impression. The incuse Stippled Ring that encompasses the star pattern still retains a decent impression image. The Roman Font Capital Block Letters for the Slogan has easy to read letters for the most part. There is dirt within covering the inner detail texture lines on some letters, but still clear enough to be the strong focal point of the button. The Separation Stipple retains a faint image.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is unfortunately broken off. The surface is rough and porous, and has green encrustations covering.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 A-3:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Dug by owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ North Carolina ~
Excavated by Jimmy Hardison in Chowan County, North Carolina in 1999.~
J. Hardison Collection.
GWI 18-B LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: A Charcoal Brown with Green Encrustations.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Brass.
Size: 15mm. Cuff Size.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Smaller 15 Star Pattern.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, A Fair Planchet Condition, A Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: Cheers to my English friend who was fortunate enough to dig this up, and steal it off American soil back to England. The brass planchet shows metal fatigue, corrosion, and decay. The surface has numerous old scratches in the middle of the field, but has somehow re-toned over and blend in nicely. There is also some metal loss and chipping around the edge. The Fifteen Six Pointed Star Pattern still retains a good image for most of the stars. They show a nice impression and most retain a good outline shape. The incuse Stipple Ring is nicely detailed in this specimen. It has a deep impression, and demonstrates a lot of the individual stipples upon close examination. The Roman Font Capital Block Letters for the slogan show decay, but are still easy to read. The Separation Stipple is unfortunately absent.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. The surface is corroded, pitted, porous, and shows metal loss with edge chips.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 B-2:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger is Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ England ~
Excavated outside of Charlotte in June 2005.~
The James Barnard Collection~
GWI 18-A LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: A Shoe Polish Brown.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 20mm. Vest Size.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Larger Fifteen Star Pattern.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, A Poor Planchet Condition, A Poor Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: The brass planchet shows metal fatigue, microporosity, corrosion, and poor collaring around the edges. The planchet is wavy, and shows multiple shallow depressions across the surface. The Fifteen Six Pointed Star Pattern only retains a faint image. The incuse Stippled Ring around the stars is still recognizable, but is worn flat in some spots. The Roman Font Capital Block Letters for the slogan are hard to decipher and lack a clear image. The Separation Stipple is unfortunately missing an image. The edges show metal loss with two deep indents by the word “PRESIDENT.”
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is missing, and the surface is corroded, and pitted with a porous nature.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 A-4:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Oklahoma ~
Excavated in a well known Troop Encampment in Pecksville, New York in the 1980’s.
The Charles Gray Collection.
Previously the Isabela Collection.~
GWI 18-A LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: A Golden Brown with Green Encrustations.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 19.5mm. Vest Size
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Larger Fifteen Star Pattern.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Fair/Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: Surprisingly, this button still retains some of it’s original gilt within the design. Unfortunately, the planchet is corroded, and has a granular texture throughout the surface. There is also a slight unevenness, and an indent on the edge. A little more then half of the Fifteen Six Pointed Star Pattern retains a clear image. The other stars are worn flat or have green encrustations covering over. The incuse Stipple Ring that encompasses the stars is almost completely absent, except for a small section under the president. Unfortunately, the Roman Font Capital Block Letters for the slogan is covered over by the green encrustation. The letter’s outlines are barely visible and the letters are indistinguishable. The Separation Stipple in the lower legend lacks an image and is worn flat into the surface.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. The surface is corroded with a granular texture, and has green encrustations covering.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 A-5:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Virginia ~
Excavated around Williamsburg, Virginia in 2000.~
The R. Bahls Collection.
GWI 18-B LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: A Dark Brown Corrosion W/ White & Green Encrustations.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 20mm. Vest Size.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Smaller 15 Star Pattern.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Poor Planchet Condition, A Poor Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: The brass planchet is still solid and flat. There is no waviness or bends in the metal. The surface shows no harsh scratches or abrasions, but is unfortunately corroded with micro porous areas. The Fifteen Six Pointed Star Pattern no longer retains an image and is either corroded over or worn into the surface. The incuse Stippled Ring still retains a deep strike and a clear image. The Roman Font Capital Block Letters for the slogan are barely visible to read. The Separation Stipple no longer has an image and corroded over.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is missing.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 B-3:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger is Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Hawaii ~
Excavated in Old Plantation House in Maryland by Matt Parson in 2004.~
Captain Matt Parsons Collection.
GWI 18-B LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: A Coppery Brown with Mustard Highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Brass.
Size: 14.8mm. 26.5 Grains Cuff Size.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Smaller 15 Star Pattern.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, Exceptional Planchet Condition, An Exceptional Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: For the person that bought this button back in 2003, you should be comforted in the fact that you still own the most expensive, and best example known for GWI 18-B. I would request you send a better picture of the front and back to capture the color. The brass planchet is smooth and flat, and shows no metal fatigue or deterioration. The surface shows a nice even color shade with no scratches or abrasions. The depiction of the Fifteen Six Pointed Stars retains a clear image with a strong impression. The incuse Stippled Ring has a deep strike impression, and presents a clear image. All the Roman Font Capital Block Letters are easy to read with strong straight letter lines. The Separation Stipple is easy to see and retains a nice deep stamp.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is re-soldered, (most likely by A. Albert) and is now straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 B-4:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
This button was found in California, and it was first published in the National Button Bulletin in 1947. Cobb paid $750.00 for this specimen making it the highest price for any item in his collection.
Albert only knew of this one specimen, but fortunately through metal detector enthusiasts, several has turned up in the last 50 years.
Harold Cobb/Descendants 1958 to 2003
Purchased from Darby in 1958.~
GWI 18-B LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: A Golden Brown with Olive Undertones.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Reported Copper.
Size: 15.8mm. Cuff Size.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Smaller Fifteen Star Pattern.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This button has an extraordinary tri-tone color. The planchet is solid and flat, and is in good condition for the most part. The surface does show multiple scratches, but they seemed to have blended in nicely with the button’s patina. The Fifteen Six Pointed Stars are easy to see with clear lines. The incuse Stippled Ring that encompasses the stars is viewable, but has a weak strike. There are two small breaks within the circle at the 9:30 and 3:00 that show some flatness, but they are only small sections. Most of the Roman Font Capital Block Letters for the slogan are easy to read. A few letters are getting worn down into the surface. The Separation Stipple still retains a viewable image with a nice impression.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is reported to be original, straight and intact. The surface is most likely porous.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 B-5:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Virginia ~
George Washington’s Home at Mt Vernon, Virginia.~
Mount Vernon Estate, Museum & Gardens.~
GWI 18-B LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: A Marshy Green.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 15 mm. Cuff Size.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Smaller Fifteen Star Pattern.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This was a nice digger’s find. Kudos to Anthony! From the greenish color it appears it was buried in soil retaining ground water. The planchet unfortunately shows corrosion, and has a rough granular texture throughout the obverses surface. The Fifteen Six Pointed Star Pattern still retains a clear muttled-in image. The incuse Stippled Ring that encompasses the stars is easy to see, but it’s impression is worn flat under the “ESID” in President. The Roman Font Capital Block Letters are easy to read. The Separation Stipple is still easy to see with a nice impression.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is reported to be original, straight and intact. But refuse to present image.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 B-6
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: ~ Digger Owner ~
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Massachusetts ~
The Anthony Schwagg Collection.
GWI 18-A LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: A Brownish-White.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Reported Copper?
Size: 20mm. Vest Size.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Larger Fifteen Star Pattern.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: The planchet unfortunately is corroded, and has a granular texture throughout the surface. There is also major edge chipping most of the way around. The Fifteen Six Pointed Star Pattern is easy to see and retains a good impression. The incuse Stippled Ring that encompasses the Stars has some flat spots, but still presents an image. The Roman Font Capital Block Letters for the slogan are still easy to read. The Separation Stipple is unfortunately hard to see, but is present under close examination.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is reported to be original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 A-6:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: ~ No ~
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Massachusetts ~
Another one Dug in Deerfield Massachusetts.
GWI 18-A LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: An Iridescent Greenish Yellow.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Brass.
Size: 20mm. Vest Size.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Larger Fifteen Star Pattern.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Good Planchet Condition, A Fair/Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: Another good find to supplement the numbers of this rare variety. The planchet is wavy and has microporosity and corrosion. The button’s surface is coarse, and has a granular texture. The Fifteen Six Pointed Star Pattern only depicts a faint outline. The incuse Stippled Ring that encompasses the stars pattern is barely has an image ad has several flat spots. The Roman Font Capital Block Letters in the legend are readable, but lack a deep impression for easy reading. The Separation Stipple barely has an image.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 A-7:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger is Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Mississippi ~
This was found by a young 17yr. Girl named Cassidy in her backyard in Iuka Mississippi on May 2nd 2012. She reported it was sandy soil and the shank was sticking up out of the ground .~
The Cassidy Collection.~
GWI 18-B LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: A Coppery Brown .
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 19.52mm. Vest Size.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Smaller 15 Star Pattern.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, The Planchet Condition is Good, A Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: The brass planchet is solid, but shows metal fatigue, corrosion, and decay. The surface has microporosity and pitting, but has somehow re-toned over and blend in nicely. The Fifteen Six Pointed Star Pattern still retains an image of most of the stars. The incuse Stippled Ring is still viewable, but is worn down in several spots. The Roman Font Capital Block Letters are decayed into the surface making it hard to decipher. The Separation Stipple no longer holds an image.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. The surface still retains faint specs of gilt.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 A-8:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New York ~
Dug this in Lower Hudson Valley, New York.
The Isabela Collection.~
GWI 18-A LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: A Seaweed Green.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 19.5mm. Vest Size.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Larger Fifteen Star Pattern.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is a nice dug button that shows a nice green shade across the surface. The Fifteen Six Pointed Star Pattern is hard to see. Some of the stars are worn into the surface. The Stippled Ring that encompasses the stars still retains an image, but has several flat spots. The Roman Font Capital Block Letters for the slogan are easy to read. Only the “E” in “THE” shows environmental damage. The Separation Stipple is unfortunately worn away, and lacks an image.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is reported to be original, straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 A-9:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Massachusetts ~
Dug in a Field in Western Massachusetts in 2013.
GWI 18-B LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT WITH A FIFTEEN STAR PATTERN
Color: A Tri-Tone Green.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 15mm. Cuff Size.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Smaller 15 Star Pattern.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, A Fair Planchet Condition, A Poor Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: Unfortunately, the button is corroded and has a granular texture all over the surface. There is also some edge chipping. A little more then half of the Fifteen Six Pointed Star Pattern retains a clear image. The other stars are worn flat into the surface. The incuse Stipple Ring lacks an image and is worn into the surface. The Roman Font Capital Block Letters for the slogan are barely readable. The Separation Stipple in the lower legend is lacks an image and is worn flat into the surface.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. Some Gilt remains in spots.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is missing.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 18 B-7:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
Another Excavated in Old Deerfield Massachusetts.~
There are two known GWI 18-A specimens not listed. National Button Bulletin for November 1947 had an article, “Unlisted Inaugural Button found in California.” – I do not know if any of these specimens are the ones above.