GWI 5-B
24 Pyramidal Flames
GWI 5-A, B & C “GW” WITH A SALIENT PYRAMIDAL FLAME DESIGN: There appears to have been several die variants made with a different number of Pyramidal Flames circling the border GWI 5-A 23PF R-7 (2) / GWI 5-B 24 PF R-7 (1), GWI 5-C R-6 27 GWI 5-D 29 PF. GWI 5 A & B is one of the rarest 1789 George Washington Tribute buttons in the George Washington inaugural button series of 1789. I was able to depict all 4 different Pyramidal Flame die variants. There are no sub-variants GWI 5 with an aded design. This Pyramidal Flame button was made in both brass and copper metals. Most likely originally sold with gilt or silver finish, which was applied afterward to all variants. The Size for GWI 5-A is 31.5mm, B is 31.2mm, GWI 5-C is 35mm. and GWI 5-D is 31mm. The Rarity Rating for all GWI GWI 5 varieties is R-7.
This George Washington inaugural 1789 tribute button’s design depicts a Script “GW” Monogram stamped boldly in the center. There is a calligraphic Colonial Swirl flowing upward from the “W” which encompasses both of the monogram letters. George Washington’s inaugural day oath cheer, “Long Live The President” is depicted in Roman Font Capital raised letters set in high relief that emanates from an incuse well. Separating the beginning and ending of the motto is a small raised Christian Cross located at the six o’clock position. On variants GWI 5-B, C, & D there is a circular vertical Dash Stipple Ring as an inner design border to the outer design of Pyramidal flames. Circling around the outside of the button’s filed is a number of Pyramidal Flame design impressions. This most likely was a tribute to the Bible’s, “Eternal Flame.” In this Era, this could also be viewed as a Masonic Tribute to George Washington as a Freemason. (In All Masonic Lodges all the opening and closing ceremonies begin with the lighting and end with the extinguishing of Pyramidal Flames in the South, East, and West). As with all GWI and NNT buttons this is a flat one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. GWI 5-A has 23 Pyramidal Flames, GWI 5-B has 24 Pyramidal Flames, GWI 5-C haas 28 Pyramidal Flames, and GWI 5-D has 29 Pyramidal Flame impressions.
GWI 5-A GW MONOGRAM WITH SALIENT PYRAMIDAL FLAME DESIGN
Color: A Nicely Re-Toned Dark Yellow Brass with A Light Golden-Green Hue.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design with Raised Lettering in Circular Channel, Brass.
Size: 31.4mm. 81.8 Grains
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 23 Pyramidal Flame Impressions, 32mm.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, A Strong Planchet Casting, A Good Impressions Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is a nicely preserved button with good clear details remaining. There is a slight shallow waviness to the button’s planchet, but its hardly noticeable. The center’s fancy script “G” in the GW Monogram has a weak strike, and is unfortunately worn flat in some areas. The “W” has a nice deep strike, but the colonial swirl is shallow, and worn flat at the 6 o’clock position. The narrow channel well that houses the slogan only has a light foot print for depth, and is also worn flat in fastening areas. All the Roman font capital letters for the slogan, “Long Live The President” is still easily readable, but one should note the letters are worn down. Most of the buttons pyramid on pyramid flames in the legend have a deep strike and still show a clear image. The only exception is the few pyramids around 6:30 and 10 o’clock position. These pyramids are completely worn flat into the field. The surface has some minor scratches and abrasions in between the pyramidal flames at the 12:00 o’clock position, but they do not interfere with the pyramidal flame designs. The button was lightly cleaned long ago, but has nicely started to re-tone. This is a nice addition to anyone’s collection.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is flat a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank was re-soldered by Cobb. The surface is smooth with a few abrasions. Cobb descriptive label on back.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 5 A-1:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
Stacks Auctions January 15, 2003.~
Harold Cobb/Descendants 1950 to 2003.~
Purchased from Harvey (S. Luscomb) in 1950.~
Both Albert and Cobb Rated this an R-6 with less then 5 specimens known. Cobb only knew of two specimens (Sally Luscomb and Wilsons).
The Albert Plate Specimen was used to illustrate WHB 7 in 1949. Another example by Asa Bird Gardner was used in a magazine of American History in 1883.
After Albert and Cobb’s had a disagreement and fell out, A different specimen was used to illustrate RAU.WI5-A in 1976.
There is another possibly known example of GWI 5-A that is rumored to Reside in Cortland, N.Y. , but No Records or Pictures were ever published.
GWI 5-B GW MONOGRAM WITH SALIENT PYRAMIDAL FLAME DESIGN
Color: A Dark Golden Brown Patina with Yellowish Green Highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design with Raised Lettering in Circular Channel, Brass.
Size: 31.3mm. 85.7 Grains
Rarity: R-7 (1 of 1 known)
Variety Type: 24 Pyramidal Flame Impressions.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, A Strong Planchet Casting, Strong Clear Impressions Remain.
Obverse Button Analysis: This button’s patina is nicely toned, and shows good clear details. The surface is granular in appearance, and shows porous areas. The fancy Script GW Monogram retains a nice deep strike, with clear readable letters. The stamped well’s ring just outside the monogram gives good separation between the “GW” monogram and the slogan. The narrow channel well that contains the motto is nicely inset and allows for the slogans letters to show volume. The Roman font capital lettering in the motto, “Long Live The President” is still well defined, but unfortunately lacks clarity due to the button’s porous nature. The 24 pyramidal flames also have a nice deep strike, and show no signs of flat wear or smoothness.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is flat a one-piece button with original loop shank. The shank is original and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information GWI 5 B-1:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: New Windsor, New York
RJ Silverstein’s The Isabela Collection ~
Stacks Sale October 28th, 2022 *(Debbie’s Silverstein’s Birthday Present)*
Time line From Discovery
Robert J. Silverstein October 28th, 2022
Stacks Winter Auction October 28th, 2022.~
Sydney F. Martin (extensive Collection)
Stacks Sale January 15, 2003.~
Harold Cobb/Descendants 1962 to 2003.~
Cobb Purchased from Peter Shurto in 1962.~
According to the 2005 revision of J. Harold Cobb’s original reference, George Washington Inaugural Buttons & Medalets 1789 & 1793, by Kirk Mitchell, only two examples GWI 5-A with 23 Pyramidal Flames were known until September 1962, when this one GWI 5-B (RJ Silverstein’s Isabela Collection) was discovered in a Connecticut estate. Both the original two GWI 5-A had 23 pyramidal flames around the central motif, making GWI 5-B a new discovery and unique at the time. As of the 2005 revision, only one GWI 5-B was still accounted for. Since that time, other examples of this type have surfaced including at least one with GWI 5-C 27 radial flames, and another GWI 5-D with 29 Pyramidal Flames.
*We have not seen as of 10-28-2022 another offered with this obverse variation of 24 Pyramidal Flames. GWI 5-B is an extremely rare as only one known to exist in this GWI 5 variety, in any case. Cobb’s original tag still remains on the reverse.
*The Albert Plate Specimen was chosen to illustrate RAU GWI 5-B in 1976. (The fact that Albert used a plate of cobb’s specimen to illustrate GWI 5-B suggests that he did not have one of his own, or could not find another to photograph).
None of this variety GWI 5-B has ever surfaced since 1962, or prior to this CT discovery.
Cobb noted that he only knew of this one one specimen of this sub-variety, which was his.
This was found by Peter Shurto in 1962 in an old Jewelry Box in an Estate (R.I. Bannisters) in Old Saybrook, CT.
*GWI 5-B was also featured in his well-known 1966 Political Campaign and Commemorative Buttons,
by Alphaeus H. Albert.
GWI 5-C GW MONOGRAM WITH SALIENT PYRAMIDAL FLAME DESIGN
Color: A Beautiful Toned Brass White Yellow
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design with Raised Lettering in Circular Channel, Silvered Copper.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-7
Variety Type: 28 Pyramidal Flame Impressions, Stippled, 35mm.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, A Strong Planchet Casting, An Exceptional Impressions Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This Variety isn’t listed in Albert’s, Cobb’s, or Johnson’s Book. Neither is this design found in any past auction sales. This button’s pattern shows exquisite details. The surface appears flat and smooth with a few spots of natural micro-porosity and pitting. (This could be due to the original planchet casting when the button was first manufactured). The Script “GW” Monogram, and the Colonial Swirl off the “W” is nicely stamped with a good deep impression. The narrow channel well has a nice deep strike, and shows all of the slogan’s letters nicely. The popular motto, “Long Live The President” is easily readable with clear letter lines. The Pyramid on Pyramid Flames have a nice deep stamp with a clear image. Ringing the periphery’s edge is an incuse stipple ring. This is definitely a museum quality piece for this variety, and a jewel in anyone’s GW collection.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is flat a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 5 C-1:
History: Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
GWI 5-D GW MONOGRAM WITH SALIENT PYRAMIDAL FLAME DESIGN
Color: A Beautiful Toned Brass White Yellow
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design with Raised Lettering in Circular Channel, Silvered Copper.
Size: 31mm.
Rarity: R-7
Variety Type: 29 Pyramidal Flame Impressions, Stippled
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, A Strong Planchet Casting, An Exceptional Impressions Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This Variety isn’t listed in Albert’s, Cobb’s, or Johnson’s Book. Neither is this design found in any past auction sales. This button’s pattern shows exquisite details. The surface appears flat and smooth with a few spots of natural micro-porosity and pitting. (This could be due to the original planchet casting when the button was first manufactured). The Script “GW” Monogram, and the Colonial Swirl off the “W” is nicely stamped with a good deep impression. The narrow channel well has a nice deep strike, and shows all of the slogan’s letters nicely. The popular motto, “Long Live The President” is easily readable with clear letter lines. The Pyramid on Pyramid Flames have a nice deep stamp with a clear image. Ringing the periphery’s edge is an incuse stipple ring. This is definitely a museum quality piece for this variety, and a jewel in anyone’s GW collection.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is flat a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 5 A-2:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Colorado ~
The Brook Mohoney Collection.
GWI 5-B GW MONOGRAM WITH SALIENT PYRAMIDAL FLAME DESIGN
(A Contemporary Plate reproduction)
(This Buttons Was Produced Using the Same Die as Cobb’s Original Specimen)
Color: A Coppery Brown With Silver Highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design with Raised Lettering in Circular Channel, Pewter.
Size: 31.4mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 23 Pyramidal Flame Impressions, 32mm.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Specimen, A Good Planchet Casting, A Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: A rare specimen that was noted by Page Auctions as being previously owned by A. Albert. I never came across any die variant Albert owned using this pattern. On another note, this is not the example Albert used in his own book either. After studying the button, I did note that this is the “same die” that was used for Cobb’s original specimen. There are a few tell tell signs in the die itself that led me to this conclusion. We do know there were Pewter GW buttons made during Washington’s Presidency; so without other historical information, I cannot reasonably say that “without a doubt” that this was not made during his term. The planchet is solid, but is no longer flat. There are a few shallow depressions, and a wavy feel to it. The Script, “GW” Monogram only shows a light foot print for an impression, but does have flowing lines for the most part. The Colonial Swirl off the “W” is a bit shallow in depth, and has a flat spot around the 7 o’clock position. The circling channel well that houses the slogan has a nice deep strike, and gives the letters a fair amount of height and volume. All the Roman font capital letters in the slogan, “Long Live The President” are still easily to see and read, but some of the tops are flat pressed. Most of the buttons pyramidal flames have a strong impression with clear lines, except the one between the “+” and the “L”. There are some blemishes around the button’s edge, but most likely from being handled through the ages. This is a nice rare specimen that was made from the original die, and should be a welcome specimen to anyone’s collection.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is flat a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 5 A-2:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Colorado ~
Heritage Auctions Sale in 2021
The Brook Mohoney Collection.
Previously The Charles Gray Collection.