When Enlightened Visionaries Unite all American Nationalities through a Masonic Network in hopes of Liberty, Justice, and Independence for All
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~ The Isabela Collection ~
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NNT 2 THE FEDERAL EAGLE WITH E. PLURIBUS UNUM IN THE BANNER RIBBON: There are 2 versions of this 1789, Celebratory New Nation Tribute button. The first celebratory button NNT 2-A was specifically made for the post revolutionary war public in recognition of their achievement in coming together as one under a new federal government and ratifying an all inclusive U.S. Constitution. The second button which is a sub-variant NNT 2-B, was designed for a much narrow audience and pays tribute to the people who helped facilitate a new societal construct known as, “The Grand Architects Design.” With this alternative sub-variant a special steel die was designed and created in which they crafted in the “Eye of Providence,” along with Robert Scot and his Philadelphia Artisans in recognition to the part they played by producing foundational cornerstone art in America’s new federal & state insignia, and other official objects. I will call this NNT 2-B variant “The Scottish Royal Culture Tribute Variant.” – A Form of Scottish Rite, Strict Observance
It would be a mistake for button collectors to assume or parallel the “Egyptian All Seeing Eye” as the intended meaning by Robert Scot and his Philadelphia Artisans. The Masonic Eye of Providence has to do with human nature and how God works through us in good deeds to promote the human species toward a more noble civilized nature. The Eye of Providence is a symbol that a certain segment of the population through their Masonic brotherhood will guide and help man through their own enlighten nature by way of the Grand Architects Design. This symbol represents a positive guidance to help humans overcome their inherent destructible egotistical power lustful nature which benefits from either the enslavement or benefit from the weak. The NNT 2-B was most likely intended for only certain individuals within the Masonic network who took heart to the Enlightenment Era of New Ideals facilitated by a sect of freemasonry known as Strict Observance, and help facilitate their wishes by their actions.
As with All George Washington Inaugurals and New Nation Tribute buttons, the design was engraved in a round steel die hub, tempered by the action of a furnace, and then stamped onto a blank brass round planchet. It is our belief this crude method of production ensured the Artisans design execution for the Allusion held within. The Size for NNT 2-A is a large 35mm. and has a R-5 rating. The Special NNT 2-B celebratory variant has an R-6 Rating. (This is also a correlation to the sub-variant being dug in South Carolina). Both NNT A & B are one-piece buttons with a soldered on loop shank.
NNT 2-A & B’s pattern depicts a variation of the Federal Eagle depicted on the United States Coat of Arms. The Eagle is proudly splaying it’s wings toward the outside perimeter of the button to symbolize our county’s Strength and Readiness against any domestic or foreign aggressor. The Federal shield shows Twenty Eight Vertical Square Stipples with Six Triple Line Bars in between. Across the top portion of the shield is 13 evenly spaced Horizontal Stripes. In the eagle’s right talon is a short 7 Petal Olive Branch. The olive branch symbolizes the American peoples sentiment towards being a peaceful country. This sentiment is further illustrated by the Eagle’s head turned towards the Olive Branch. In the eagle’s left talon is a Bundle of Thirteen Arrows. This represents the unity of the thirteen states to stand together in war against any domestic or foreign aggressor. Flowing behind the eagle’s neck is a long Banner Ribbon with the country’s adopted motto, “E Pluribus Unum“ in raised Roman font capital letters. This is Latin for, “Out of Many, One.” Lastly, in an evenly lined field above the eagle’s head is a Morning Glory depicting 13 Stars in the Heavens. In this variant the Eagle’s Head is Close to the Center Star. NNT 2-B pattern would include all of the above plus the additional Artisan markings.
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Master Artisan Engraver Prominent Maker’s Marks
Robert Scot S or ST
Philadelphia Artisan Engravers
James Trenchard J or JT
John Valance J
J. Thackera has a slanted “J” with the “T” above the J-Shaft.
Francis Shallus F or FS
Peter Getz G
Voigt V
NNT 2-B Strict Observance Variant
The Eye of Horus & 33 Deg. Representation
NNT 2-B’s Enlighten Visionaries Grand Architect Design Tribute button. Working with Gary Gianotti several years ago he provided a pathway connecting Scottish Royal Culture into the intensions of the Enlighten Visionaries through their Masonic association. This research provides a foundation connection to symbols used by the Enlighten visionaries and the Scottish Royal Cultures use of ancient symbols. So, lets give this a go and craft this into our explanation above. The button depicts a Lanner or Peregrine Falcon’s head who’s right eye is associated with the Sun God Ra. Hidden in plain site of the upper neck line is the Masonic Worshipful Eye of Horus. The All Seeing Eye is an adopted symbol by all Masonic lodges. It stems from the Scottish Royal Culture whose symbolic roots date back to ancient Egypt. The Federal Shield in this Scottish-Rite variant depicts 33 Oblong Stipples. This has 2 meanings. First, it is a reference to operative masons and their work. It is also one of the Secret Signs known to Fellow-Craft level Masons. Second, the number 33 is a direct representation the 33 Degree level that can be achieved by a Scottish-Rite brother. This is a reference to Scottish-Rite 33 Degree level in America, not in Europe. Across the top portion of the shield is 13 evenly spaced Horizontal Stripes. In the eagle’s right talon is Two Intertwining 13 Petal Olive Branches. This has a complex meaning i will circle back to at a later date. In the eagle’s left talon is a Bundle of Thirteen Arrows. This could be a tribute to the states that fought and helped the Jacobites regain power and form a New Republic in America. Flowing behind the eagle’s neck is a Banner Ribbon with the country’s adopted motto which was given by educated Freemasons, “E Pluribus Unum” in raised Roman font capital letters. This is Latin for, “Out of Many, One.” In an evenly lined field above the eagle’s head is a Morning Glory depicting 13 Stars. A Morning Glory is a Religious Heraldry symbol. This is a sort of Birth Announcement, or in this case a Re-birth of the Scottish Royal families and their New Republic. Lastly, in this variant the Eagle’s Head is Far from the Center Star, but more importantly the Star’s make a Pyramidal Shape. This can be seen as another Royal Culture tribute to the Ancient Egyptians.
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NNT 2-A THE FEDERAL EAGLE WITH U.S. MOTTO BANNER RIBBON
Color: A Rusty Gold With Orange Shield Highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design with Raised Lettering in the Ribbon, Gilt Brass
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: Eagle’s Head Close to Star / 30 Square Stipple Shield / 7 Petal Olive Branch.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, A Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is an exceptional dug specimen that was able to retain 90% of it’s original gilt. The Eagle shows a nice deep strike impression, but unfortunately shows corrosion on the surface. The corrosion covers a fair amount of the eagle’s left wing, left & right legs, parts of the head, and in small pocket around the planchet. I feel the button’s image is still strong enough to gives a good representation. The Federal Shield still retains a nice impression, and provides a good image of all the individual Triple Line Stripes, and all 28 incuse square stipples. The Bundle of Thirteen Arrows only shows the top half, the middle and lower half is covered over by corrosion. The Banner Ribbon’s well shows corrosion, but the motto is still easily readable. The 13 Five Pointed Stars are still visible in the upper field, but corrosion has misinformed their true shape. The evenly spaced lines in the Star’s field only shows a shallow foot print image. This is probably the best Gilt specimen to survive, but unfortunately corrosion has caused degradation to the image.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is flat a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. The surface is still partially tilted, but shows no scratches.
Library Records Has Limited Information on NNT 2 A-1:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger is Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ South Carolina ~
1 of 5 GWI 2 Buttons Dug by J.A. in Beaufort County, South Carolina.~
NNT 2-B THE MASONIC FALCON WITH U.S. BANNER RIBBON
Strict Observance Freemasons
Color: A Charcoal Dark Brown W/ Whitish-gilt Highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design with Raised Lettering in the Ribbon, Brass, Gold-Wash within the Design.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-7
Variety Type: Star Far Above Eagle’s Head / Falcon Head / 33 Square Stipple Shield / 13 Petal Olive Branch.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, A Strong Planchet Condition, An Exceptional Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: I believe this is the Best known New Nation Tribute button to exist. Unfortunately, there is very little gilt remaining on the surface. The Falcon shows a nice deep strike impression, and gives a good clear image of all the inner details of the head, body, and wing feathers. The Federal Shield displays a clear image of all the horizontal Triple Line Stripes, and all 33 Oblong stipples. The 2 intertwining Olive Branches shows all 13 Petals clearly. The Bundle of Thirteen Arrows still retains a deep impression and clearly shows all the individual arrows. The Banner Ribbon’s depth provides the motto with good volume to shows all of it’s letters clearly. The only small flaw is the small areas of muteness in some of the lines in the upper field. Lastly, all of the 13 Five-Pointed Stars have strong images that show nice angled lines.
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 on NNT 2 B-1:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New York ~
Dug by Bill Cross by a Slave Cabin the Low Country of South Carolina near Edisto Island in 2009.~
The RJ. Silverstein’s Isabela Collection.~
NNT 2-A THE FEDERAL EAGLE WITH U.S. MOTTO BANNER RIBBON
Color: A Hard Brown W/ Gilt Highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design with Raised Lettering in the Ribbon, Gilt Brass
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: Eagle’s Head Close to Star / 30 Square Stipple Shield / 7 Petal Olive Branch.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, A Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is an exceptional dug specimen that was able to retain 90% of it’s original gilt. The Eagle shows a nice deep strike impression, but unfortunately shows corrosion on the surface. The corrosion covers a fair amount of the eagle’s left wing, left & right legs, parts of the head, and in small pocket around the planchet. I feel the button’s image is still strong enough to gives a good representation. The Federal Shield still retains a nice impression, and provides a good image of all the individual Triple Line Stripes, and all 28 incuse square stipples. The Bundle of Thirteen Arrows only shows the top half, the middle and lower half is covered over by corrosion. The Banner Ribbon’s well shows corrosion, but the motto is still easily readable. The 13 Five Pointed Stars are still visible in the upper field, but corrosion has misinformed their true shape. The evenly spaced lines in the Star’s field only shows a shallow foot print image. This is probably the best Gilt specimen to survive, but unfortunately corrosion has caused degradation to the image.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is flat a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. The surface is still partially tilted, but shows no scratches.
Library Records Has Limited Information on NNT 2 A-2:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Previously South Carolina ~
NNT 2-A THE FEDERAL EAGLE WITH U.S. MOTTO BANNER RIBBON
Color: A Rosey Color Copper With Green Encrustations.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design with Raised Lettering in the Ribbon, Gilt Brass
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: Eagle’s Head Close to Star / 30 Square Stipple Shield / 7 Petal Olive Branch.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, A Good Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is an exceptional dug specimen that was able to retain most of its original die impression. The surface image reportedly has a “Rose Gilt” color. The Eagle shows a nice deep strike impression and has a nice clear image for the head, body and wing feathers. The Federal Shield is also nicely outlined, and has a good image of all the vertical Triple Line Stripes and all of the 28 incuse square stipples. The two intertwining Olive Branches and the 7 Accenting Petals still have a good image. The Bundle of Thirteen Arrows has a nice deep impression, and clearly shows the shafts. Unfortunately, they lost their individual clarity. The Motto in the Banner Ribbon is still easy to read. Most of the Thirteen Five-Pointed Stars have a good image, but a few are lost their shape to ground action. All the evenly spaced lines in the Star’s field retained a nice depth with a clear image. Unfortunately, environmental damage caused degradation in the perimeter area around the legend area. A wonderful dug button that is a Gem in any button collection.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is flat a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is broken off.
Library Records Has Limited Information on NNT 2-A-3:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger is Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ South Carolina ~
Dug in Beaufort County South Carolina.
2 of 5 GWI 2 Buttons Dug by J.A. & his Dad.~
GWI 2-B THE MASONIC FALCON WITH U.S. BANNER RIBBON
Strict Observance Freemasons
Color: A Charcoal Dark Brown W/ A Gilt Design Highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design with Raised Lettering in the Ribbon, Gilt Brass
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-7
Variety Type: Star Far Above Eagle’s Head / Falcon Head / 33 Square Stipple Shield / 13 Petal Olive Branch.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Strong Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This dug specimen was professionally restored around 2010. The Falcon shows a nice deep strike, and gives a good clear image of all the inner details of the head, body, and wing feathers. The Federal Shield also has a clear image of all the horizontal Triple Line Stripes, and 33 Oblong stipples. The two intertwining Olive Branches show all 13 Petals. The Bundle of Thirteen Arrows has a nice deep impression, and clearly shows the individual arrow shafts. The Banner Ribbons depth is clearly defined which allows the motto to shows all it’s letters clearly. All 13 Five Pointed Stars show a clear image, but their shapes lack clarity. One of the strongest points is the restoration of the evenly lined field in the sky. A wonderful button that was made for lodge brothers to wear at gatherings.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is flat a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. The surface is nice flat and shows no scratches.
Library Records Has Limited Information on WI 2 B-2:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ South Carolina ~
1 of 2 Buttons Dug by A.H. in the Low Country of South Carolina in the Winter of 2009.~
NNT 2-A THE FEDERAL EAGLE WITH U.S. MOTTO BANNER RIBBON
Color: A Greenish-Yellow.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design with Raised Lettering in the Ribbon, Gilt Brass.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: Eagle’s Head Close to Star / 30 Square Stipple Shield / 7 Petal Olive Branch.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, A Good Planchet Condition, A Strong Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is a wonderful specimen that turned up in a New Hampshire coin show. The button shows a nice deep strike impression for the Eagle’s head, body, and wing feathers. The Federal Shield is also nicely outlined, and has a good image of all the Vertical Triple Stripes, and all 28 Squares Stipples. The two intertwining Olive Branches and 7 Accenting Petals only have a light footprint image. The Bundle of Thirteen Arrows has a spectacular image of all the individual arrows. The Banner Ribbon is nicely inset making the slogan’s letters clear and easy to read. The Thirteen Five Pointed Stars still have a good image, but unfortunately looses it’s shape clarity. The lines in the sky have a good image except for some muteness in the left center. This button possess one of the best images known for NNT 2-A.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is flat a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is unfortunately missing.
Library Records Has Limited Information on NNT 2-A-4:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New Hampshire ~
Purchased at a New Hampshire Coin show by Peter Boisvert.
NNT 2-A THE FEDERAL EAGLE WITH U.S. MOTTO BANNER RIBBON
Color: A Dark Rich Chocolate with An Orange Clay Spot.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design with Raised Lettering in the Ribbon, Copper.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: Eagle’s Head Close to Star / 30 Square Stipple Shield / 7 Petal Olive Branch.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, A Fair Planchet Condition Remains, A Fair Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: The button has an even two-tone chocolate color across the surface with small pockets of natural clay orange. The Planchet does exhibit some waviness in the lower half of the button, which is the result of metal fatigue. The surface does exhibit some micro porosity, which is most likely the result of being buried in or near ground water. There are no scratches or abrasions on the surface, but unfortunately there is an excavation strike from a shovel. There is a long shovel strike reaching downward from the 2:00 o’clock position towards the 7:00 o’clock position. There is also a very small indentation a few millimeters in from the 8:00 o’clock edge position. There is also a minor rim & edge nick at both the 10:00 and 11:00 o’clock positions, which is another misfortune from a poor excavation. The Eagle’s head only shows a light foot print impression and only a vague outline for the neck, wings, legs, and tail feather. The left wings only has a small feather outline. The Federal Shield is the button’s strongest image. Unfortunately,most of the horizontal top stripes are worn smooth into the surface. The 30 vertical Square Stripes, and the Triple Line Stripes give the button it’s strongest image. The 2 intertwining Olive Branches lower stem and Petals still have a light foot print image. The Bundle of Thirteen Arrows still has a nice deep impression, and shows clear definition to all the Arrow shafts, tips, and nock feathers. The Banner Ribbon also only shows a light foot print, and the Motto’s letters are decayed into the surface. Most letters are still recognizable if examined closely. Another strength the button has is that most of the 13 Five-Pointed Stars still show a sharp clear image.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is flat a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is missing. The surface shows some irregularities because of metal fatigue. There is shallow surface depressions along with minor corrosion and micro porosity.
Library Records Has Limited Information on NNT 2 A-5:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New York ~
The Isabela Collection.~
GWI 2-A THE FEDERAL EAGLE WITH U.S. MOTTO BANNER RIBBON
Color: A Nice Dirty Brown W/ Strong Gilt Highlights Underneath.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design with Raised Lettering in the Ribbon, Gilt Brass.
Size: 35.63mm.
Rarity: R-7
Variety Type: Eagle’s Head Close to Star / 31 Square Stipple Shield / 13 Petal Olive Branch.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, A Good Planchet Condition Remains, A Fair Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is one of those rare “Diamond in the Rough” specimens that needs a professional restoration to get at the underlying Gilt image to pop out. This button also provides proof of another fashioned die. I believe this to be a cross variant of NNT 2-A & B. First, there is a different number of stipples in the shield from the other two die variants. Second, the petals on the intertwined olive branch is closer to NNT 2-B’s button. On the other hand, the Eagle’s head is close to the Center Star as depicted in NNT 2-A’s button. In this button the Eagle only shows a light outline gilt foot print. The inner detail is covered over from ground action. The Federal Shield still shows a good gilded outline, but the Thirteen Horizontal Stripes on the top are almost completely covered over. The 7 vertical Triple Line Stripes and all 28 Square Stipples still show a good image. The two intertwining Olive Branches show 13 Accenting Petals instead of 7. The bundle of Thirteen Arrows in the Eagles left Talon still retains a clear image of all the individual arrows. The Banner Ribbon’s well still provides a gilt background for the motto’s letters, but the letters themselves are degraded. They are either improperly shaped and lack clear letter lines. Most of the thirteen Five Pointed Stars provide a clear image, but they don’t posses strong angled lines. I think with a professional restoration this button has the potential to show a majority of it’s original design features with Gilt.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is flat a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The Shank is original, straight, and intact. The surface is course and does show some porous areas with some metal loss.
Library Records Has Limited Information NNT A-6
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New York ~
2 of 2 Dug in the Low Country of South Carolina By A.H. in the Winter of 2009.~
Currently The Gray Collection.
Previously the Isabela Collection.~
NNT 2-A THE FEDERAL EAGLE WITH U.S. MOTTO BANNER RIBBON
Color: A Two-Tone Green with Gilt Remnants
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design with Raised Lettering in the Ribbon, Gilt Brass.
Size: 36mm. (Usually 35mm).
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: Eagle’s Head Close to Star / 30 Square Stipple Shield / 7 Petal Olive Branch.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Fair Planchet Condition, A Good Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This button shows a lot of environmental soil nutrient erosion. The brass planchet shows metal fatigue, corrosion, and rust. The planchet appears wavy with several shallow depressions. The Federal Eagle still hold a fair head image, but it’s neck is lost to ground action. The Federal Shield still shows a strong impression for the vertical square stipples, and the vertical Triple Line Stripes. All show a good amount of Gilt. The 13 horizontal lines in the top half of the shield are mostly worn smooth. The intertwining Olive Branches with 7 Petals still holds a light foot print. The Bundle of Thirteen Arrows still shows a good strike for the Arrows. The Banner Ribbon still has a gilt base, but the letters are degraded in shape. The thirteen Five Pointed Stars still show a good image, but do not show a clear star shape.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is flat a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is unfortunately missing.
Library Records Has Limited Information on NNT 2 A-7:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Digger is Owner
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ South Carolina ~
Dug in Beaufort County South Carolina.
3 of 5 GWI 2 Buttons Dug by J.A. & his Dad.
NNT 2-A THE FEDERAL EAGLE WITH U.S. MOTTO BANNER RIBBON
Color: A Dark Chocolate with Golden Brown Highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design with Raised Lettering in the Ribbon, Copper.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: Eagle’s Head Close to Star / 30 Square Stipple Shield / 7 Petal Olive Branch.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, A Fair Planchet Condition, A Fair Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: Unfortunately, this button only retains a fair image. The planchet shows metal fatigue with multiple shallow depressions and environmental pits. The surface is uncommonly smooth to the touch, probably from being cleaned after it was excavated. The Eagle is mostly worn flat into the surface, but still shows a faint image of the head, body, and feathers. The Eagle does shows some sporadic inner details, but most of it is muted flat. The Federal Shield is the buttons strongest feature. It still has a recognizable outline, but no detail. The intertwining Olive Branch and accenting Petals only show a vague image of the lower stem. The bundle of thirteen Arrows still shows an outline of the individual shafts, but lacks any clear definition. The Banner Ribbon only has a light foot print for an impression, and the Motto’s letters have completely decayed into the surface. Only five of the thirteen Five Pointed Stars above the Eagle’s head have an image, and most of those lack a good star outline.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is flat a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The Shank is missing, and may have been smoothed out for a coin collection. There is pitting and shallow depressions in the surface from metal fatigue.
Library Records Has Limited Information on NNT 2 A-8
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ Oklahoma ~
Excavated in Jonesboro, Georgia in 2008.~
The C. Gray Collection.
Previously Isabela Collection~
NNT 2-A THE FEDERAL EAGLE WITH U.S. MOTTO BANNER RIBBON
Color: A Grayish White Metal with Gilt Remnants
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design with Raised Lettering in the Ribbon, Gilded Brass.
Size: 36mm. (Usually 35mm).
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: Eagle’s Head Close to Star / 30 Square Stipple Shield / 7 Petal Olive Branch.
Present Condition: An Excavated Specimen, Poor Planchet Condition, A Poor Impression Remains.
Obverse Button Analysis: This button is what someone would be expect to have after being buried in the ground for 200+ years. The brass planchet shows metal fatigue, corrosion, and decay. The surface is abrasive to the touch, and shows a waviness along with several shallow depressions from metal fatigue. There is also a rough pocket of corrosion at the nine o’clock position. There is also two blunt long trauma indents at the 5:30 and 9:30 positions. This is probably from some kind of excavation tool, but no supporting information is known. The Eagle’s outline is barely visible for viewing, except for a shallow image of the head and wings. Surprisingly, both of the Eagle’s talons are clearly shown with a strong impression. Lending to the Eagle’s best feature. The Federal Shield still shows a strong impression, but the thirteen inner horizontal stripes in the top of the shield are worn smooth into the surface. The lower vertical stripes with the incuse dots are still shown nicely with remnants of Gilt. The triple vertical lines in-between the stripes are mostly worn smooth. The intertwining Olive Branches still holds a bold lower stem impression, but the upper stems and accenting petals are worn smooth into the surface. The Bundle of Thirteen Arrows shows a good strike for the shafts, but the Arrow tips and nock feathers lost the design detail. The Banner only show a light foot print for an impression. The Roman Block capital letters inside the Riband are mostly decayed into the surface. The thirteen Five Pointed Stars still show a gilded impression, but most of the star’s lines have decayed, and do not show a clear star shape.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is flat a one-piece button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank was originally bent to the left, then straightened and then finally broken off to the left, then back to the middle then to break off.
Library Records Has Limited Information on NNT 2 A-9:
History: Yes Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: Yes
Scottish-Rite Guild Engravers in the Various States
Profit on Patriotic Celebratory Memorabilia!
After studying George Washington inaugural buttons for years, I believe that past collectors and researchers have mis-identified New Nation Tribute buttons as George Washington inaugural buttons. Even though I do believe the same Philadelphia Artisans under Robert Scot engravers produced both variants, I believe their intent was to have a separate button that honored the birth of our new federal government as well as honor George Washington as our First President. New Nation Tribute buttons use a variation of the Eagle side of the Great Seal of the United States along with recognized federal motifs such as, Arrows, 13 Star or Stripe Federal Shield, Morning Glories, Clouds, Stars, and Wheat Stalks. All these depictions were intended to praise America for all it’s strong qualities. This button was intended to be worn as a statement that celebrated the unity of the 13 states to band together under a federal umbrella. This is unlike George Washington inaugural buttons which have symbols that pay direct homage to Washington as our countries father and first President. Those buttons were worn to show love, support, and respect, for Washington. So, the intended use of each button is different, and each has it’s own meaning which is supported by the symbols depicted on the button.
* Having owned three and handled 4 of the 11 specimens pictured above, I was able to give the buttons a close detailed examination. I determined that there were at least two different steel die hubs fashioned to manufacture this pattern. In Albert’s time, he probably wasn’t afforded the luxury of handling another variation.