GWI 17 A & B THE LAUREL WREATH CROWN WITH STAR: Impressed Brass or Copper, and some have Sheffield Silver, or Gilt finish. The Size for Type A is 20mm, and the Size for Type B is 15mm. Variety Type A has a R-5 Rating, and B has a R-4 Rating. When manufactured, records indicate that GWI 17-A was originally finished in Gold Leaf (Gilt), and GWI 17-B, the smaller 15mm button made with a Sheffield Silver finish. Both buttons are flat one-piece buttons with soldered on loop shanks. In this design, a Laurel Wreath/Crown is used as the central focal point for the button. (Laurels are foliage of the Bay Tree, which in earlier Roman times were woven into a wreath/crowns, and worn on the heads of individuals as an emblem of victory). This button's design shows Two Laurel Stems arching toward each other to form a Wreath/Crown. There is a Fancy Dot Stem Tie on that binds the laurels together artistically. The Laurels themselves show Detailed Petals as well as Berries. Circling the edge in a semi-circle is the popular slogan used at George Washington's Inauguration, "LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT". The Slogan's is inscribed in Roman Font capital letters, with small etched inner definition lines within. The button has a simple design, but invokes a lot of patriotic sentiments for the people in this Era.

A possible theory has been presented on this button: "Since these buttons were manufactured for quite awhile after Washington's second inauguration, rumor has it that the "GW" Monogram was purposefully omitted so they could be worn into the Adam's administration" .~ Could John Adam's Monogram have been stamped in the middle of left over stock? Yes, but in my opinion, this probably was not the case. At the time, George Washington was portrayed as the Victorious General who would wear a wreath crown as a hero of the people, John Adams was never portrayed in this light. Second, sentiments towards John Adams were much different, more political then military. He was a lawyer that would help and advise in the drafting of the Constitution. Third, general etiquette of the time probably wouldn't allow for John Adams Name to overshadow something attributed for Washington.~

GWI 17-A THE LAUREL WREATH/CROWN WITH STAR

Color: A Glossy Steel Brass Brown.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Impressed Star, Brass.
Size: 19.6mm. (20mm)
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Laurel Wreath with Star.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Strong Planchet Casting, Exceptional Impressions
Obverse Button Analysis: This is a very nice preserved example, with some good strong retained features. The Planchet is still solid and flat, and shows no no waviness or bends. The button unfortunately has a completely porous surface, along with chipping and decay on the edge. Fortunately there is no deep pitting, scratches or abrasions that effect the surface or it's designs. The Laurel Wreath/Crown has a nice deep stamp, and shows a strong impression for all the petals and their inner texture lines. The Roman Font capital letters are easy to read with good straight lines. The letter's inner definition lines are also still easily seen. The Star has a strong strike with good depth. This gives the button a nice signature. Overall this is an excellent example, and should be considered an asset in anyone's GW collection.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original and intact, but has a slight bend. The surface is porous, but predominately flat.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 A-1:
History: Yes               Recorded Sales Price:           Yes
Current Button Owner and Location:                      No

GWI 17-B THE LAUREL WREATH/CROWN

Color: The Golden Brass Color, with Hints of the Original Silvering.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 15mm.
Rarity: R-4 Rating.
Variety Type: The Plain Laurel Wreath.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Example, Exceptional Casting, Exceptional Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is a spectacular example, with real museum quality features. The brass planchet is solid, and shows no metal fatigue or deterioration whatsoever. There appears to be a slight indentation on the edge by the "RE" in PRESIDENT. This is most likely the result from poor collaring during the original planchet casting by the manufacturer. The surface is smooth and flat, and shows has mirror like qualities from the original Gilt finish. There are a few light scratches and micro porous signs, but they blend in with the button's finish nicely. The Laurel Wreath/ Crown has a nice deep impression of all the petals, and shows the inner texture lines clearly. The two Laurel Stem Ties have a strong strike and stand out from the background. The Roman Font capital letters are only skin deep, but show all the inner definition lines vividly. This button is in Mint condition, and would make an excellent example for this rare variety type.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact. The surface shows a few light scratches, but otherwise in excellent condition.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 B-1:
History: Yes               Recorded Sales Price:          Yes
Current Button Owner and Location:                     No

GWI 17-A THE LAUREL WREATH/CROWN WITH STAR

Color: A Polished Golden Brass with A Charcoal Black Design.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Impressed Star, Brass.
Size: 20mm.
Rarity: R-5 Rating.
Variety Type: The Laurel Wreath with Star.
Present Condition: An Non Excavated Example, Strong Planchet Casting, Strong Impressions
Obverse Button Analysis: This is a nicely preserved example, with a good amount of left over Gilt covering the surface. The Planchet is solid and flat, and shows no metal fatigue or decay. The surface is slightly abrasive in the middle field, but no harsh scratches or abrasions that effect the design. The Laurel Wreath/Crown shows a good impression, and still has a clear outline of all the petals and their inner texture lines. Unfortunately the finish is mostly worn away within the design. The two Laurel Stem Ties still have a nice impression, and stand out boldly. The Roman Font capital letters in the legend only show a light foot print, but is still easily readable. Some letters still exhibit inside definition lines, but most only show a weak stamp from the original manufacturing. The Star shows a nice deep strike with clear lines that are easily seen. Overall this is an excellent example of the Laurel Wreath & Star, and should be considered a rare asset in anyone's GW collection.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank was reported to be original, straight, and intact.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 A-2:
History: Yes               Recorded Sales Price:          Yes
Current Button Owner and Location:                     No

GWI 17-B LAUREL WREATH/CROWN

Color: An Aged Chocolate Patina.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 15mm.
Rarity: R-4 Rating.
Variety Type: The Plain Laurel Wreath.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Example, Exceptional Planchet Casting, Exceptional Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: An exceptionally preserved button with an even color tone throughout. The planchet is solid and flat, and shows no metal fatigue or deterioration. The surface is smooth, and shows no pitting, decay or porous areas. The button has a few very light scratches, but they have blended in with the color shade nicely. The Laurel Stems are stamped deep enough to give a strong outline of the petals, as well as their inner texture lines. The two Laurel Stem Ties are easily recognizable because of a nice deep strike. The Roman Font capital letters in the slogan all show a deep clear impression, as well as their inner definition lines. A truly well preserved button in museum quality condition. Probably one of the finest known examples in brass.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact. The surface is clean and free of any scratches or blemishes.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 B-2:
History: Yes               Recorded Sales Price:           Yes
Current Button Owner and Location:                      No

GWI 17-A THE LAUREL WREATH/CROWN WITH STAR

Color: A Coppery Brown with Darker Black Overtones.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Impressed Star, Brass.
Size: 20mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Laurel Wreath with Star.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Strong Planchet Casting, Strong Impressions
Obverse Button Analysis: A good button with some lasting impressions. The brass planchet is still solid and flat, but show porous areas throughout. The surface does shows some minor pitting but hard to tell with the porous areas blanketing the surface. The good thing is that there is no harsh scratches or abrasions on the surface or through any of the designs. The Laurel Wreath/Crown still shows a deep stamp for the petals, as well as most of the inner texture lines. The two Laurel Stem Ties show a deep impression, but are lost between the color shade and petals. The Roman Font capital letters for the slogan are all nicely inset, and still are easily readable. The inner definition lines are also boldly shown with some really good clarity. The Star lacks a deep strike with clear lines, and is a little hard to see with the color shade. Overall this is an excellent example for being excavated, and should be considered a great find by a treasure hunter.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original and intact, but slightly bent to the side. The surface is porous, but not as bad as obverse.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 A-3:
History: Yes               Recorded Sales Price:          Yes
Current Button Owner and Location:                     No

GWI 17-B LAUREL WREATH/CROWN

Color: A Natural Silver with Gun Blue Periphery.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Silvered Copper.
Size: 15mm.
Rarity: R-4 Rating.
Variety Type: The Plain Laurel Wreath.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Example, Exceptional Planchet Casting, Exceptional Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: An exceptionally preserved example, with clear strong strike impressions. The original Silver finish appears to be completely intact, and shows a great natural blue shading toward the periphery. The brass planchet is solid and flat, and displays no waviness or bends. There is also no metal fatigue or deterioration to the planchet. The surface is smooth to the touch, and shows no signs of porousness. There are a few light little scratches, but blends into the natural silver tone nicely. The Laurel Wreath/Crown shows a nice deep stamp, and exceptional strong outline for the petals. The inner texture lines that give it form are nicely raised and easily seen. The two Laurel Stem Ties have a strong strike, and easily are recognizable. All the Roman Font capital letters in the legend show a nice deep impression, and are easily readable. They also exhibit clear inner definition lines for volume. Overall this is an exceptional example that held true to the original design. This is in mint museum quality condition, and one of the best natural condition examples known.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact. The surface is clean and free of any scratches or blemishes.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 B-3:
History: Yes               Recorded Sales Price:           Yes
Current Button Owner and Location:        ~ New York ~

The Isabela Collection.~

GWI 17-A THE LAUREL WREATH/CROWN WITH STAR

Color: A Golden Brass with a Light Olive Green Toning.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Impressed Star, Gilt Brass.
Size: 19.6mm (20mm).
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: Laurel Wreath with Star.
Present Condition: Possibly An Excavated Example, Strong Planchet Casting, Strong Impressions
Obverse Button Analysis: This is a good example that shows some nice characteristics. The Planchet is solid with no waviness or bends, but does show some metal fatigue, corrosion, and chipping around the edge. The surface still retains a good amount of Gilt, but it has numerous abrasions and scratches that mar the design. The Laurel Wreath/Crown is stamped adequately, and shows a clear outline of all the petals, but corrosion took hold of the inner petal's definition. The two Laurel Stem Ties show a bold strike and are easily seen. The Roman Font capital letters in the legend are still nicely inset, and easily readable. The inner definition are barely noticeable, or just absent completely. The Star has a nice deep impression with strong lines, but lacks the punch because of the chipping next to it on the surface. This is a nicely preserved example for being excavated, and should be considered for a GW collection since there are so few of this variety.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original and intact, but slightly twisted. The surface appears to be solid and free of any scratches or abrasions.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 A-4:
History: Yes               Recorded Sales Price:           Yes
Current Button Owner and Location:                      No

GWI 17-B LAUREL WREATH/CROWN

Color: A Muddy Golden Brown Hue.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 15mm.
Rarity: R-4 Rating.
Variety Type: The Plain Laurel Wreath.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Example, Strong Planchet Casting, Strong Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is a nice button that has a lot of long lasting attributes. The original Gilt finish still appears to be abundantly present on the obverse. The brass planchet underneath is solid, but does display a waviness on the left side edge at the 2 o'clock position. This is probably due to poor collaring during manufacturing. There is also no signs of metal fatigue or decay. The surface is flat and smooth, but does show several small scratches in the finish. These few small scratches seem to blend in with the natural tone, and do not detract in anyway from the button's design. The Laurel Wreath/Crown shows a nice deep stamp, and a strong outline of the petals, as well as their inner texture lines. The two Laurel Stem Ties also have a strong strike, and stand out boldly against the button's background. All the Roman Font capital letters in the legend are easily readable with nice sharp lines, but the inner definition lines are mostly lost to the buttons age. This is an above average example, that held true to the original design fabrication.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact. The surface lost its Gilt finish, and shows a few scratches and surface nicks.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 B-4:
History: Yes               Recorded Sales Price:          Yes
Current Button Owner and Location:                     No

GWI 17-A THE LAUREL WREATH/CROWN WITH STAR

Color: A Golden Brown with Reddish Highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Impressed Star, Silver or Tinning to Copper
Size: 20mm. 49.5 Grains
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Laurel Wreath with Star.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Example, Strong Planchet Casting, Strong Impressions
Obverse Button Analysis: A time tested button with a lot of positive remaining design traits. The copper planchet is flat and smooth, and shows no fetal fatigue or deterioration. The surface shows some some remnants of silvering around the Roman Font capital letters in the legend, but the seller noted it could be tinning? The Laurel Wreath/Crown shows a strong strike, with a clear outline of all the petals, as well as their inner texture lines. The two Laurel Stem Ties shows a strong stamp, and is easily seen against the button's background. The Roman Font capital letters have a nice impression, and are easily readable. Most of the slogan's letters still show their inner definition lines clearly. The Star shows a nice deep impression, but seems to lacks definition to stand out boldly against the button's natural color tone. It kind of gets lost. This is an exceptionally nicely preserved example with a lot of good remaining designs. This copper example make a nice representation of GWI 17-A, and for someone who likes to collect the different metal varieties, this is a crown jewel.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. The surface appears to be solid and free of any scratches or abrasions.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 A-5:
History: Yes               Recorded Sales Price:            Yes
Current Button Owner and Location:                       No

*Harold Cobb/Descendent 1950 to 2001
~Purchased in 1950 from Littlefield ( S. Luscomb).

GWI 17-B LAUREL WREATH/CROWN

Color: A Rusty Red with Gilt through the Designs.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 15mm.
Rarity: R-4 Rating.
Variety Type: The Plain Laurel Wreath.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Good Planchet ( noted thinner then most, by the seller), Good Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: What an unusual example this is. This must have been professionally cleaned after excavation to show the original Gilt finish in the design through the corrosion. The brass planchet is solid, but thin, and displays metal fatigue and corrosion. The surface is obviously course and abrasive to the touch. The Laurel Wreath/Crown design was stamped extremely light during manufacturing (Most Gilt buttons do show shallow stamp wells). The clarity of the petal design is outstanding, and the inside texture lines are highly visible. The two Laurel Stem Ties are also plainly visible against the corroded background. The Roman Font capital letters in the slogan are easily readable, and show clear inner definition lines under the Gilt. Only the "V" appears not to have been able to retain the any of the Gilt finish. This is an interesting combination of colors which makes this a diamond in the rough. I usually do not recommend excavated buttons over non dug ones, but this is a real contender.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact. The surface is corroded, but free of any scratches or blemishes.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 B-5:
History:       Yes         Recorded Sales Price:          Yes
Current Button Owner and Location:                     No

GWI 17-A THE LAUREL WREATH/CROWN WITH STAR

Color: A Faded Silver With A Brownish Black Mixture.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Impressed Star, Brass.
Size: 20mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Laurel Wreath with Star.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Good Planchet Casting, Good Impressions
Obverse Button Analysis: An excavated button that shows a lot of wear to the design from being buried in or near ground water for 200+ years. The brass planchet no longer appears to be flat or smooth. There are tell tale signs all over of of metal fatigue, corrosion, and decay. The surface does retain 90% of it's original Silvering, but does show heavy chipping and flaking throughout. There are no deep scratches or abrasions affecting the design, but there are light ones in the center and lower field. The Laurel Wreath/Crown does show a deep strike with a good outline of the petals, and the inner petal texture lines are easily seen through the remnants of silver. The two Laurel Stem Ties still show an impression, but do not stand out against the background boldly. Unfortunately, some of the Roman Font capital letters for the slogan have decayed into the surface, like "D, E, N, T" in PRESIDENT. Most of the letters do show clear outlines, but decay and corrosion has taken a toll on the insides. The separation Star in the legend has a strong strike, and still does show a clear outline against the background. This example is what one would expect to find after being buried for countless years. If your in dire need of a representation for GWI 20-A, or would just like a memento, then it should be considered at a fair price, otherwise I would recommend to hold tight until a better example presents itself. ~I guess I will be getting an Email D?~
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, and intact, but slightly bent to the side. The surface appears completely wavy, corroded, and abrasive.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 A-6:
History: Yes               Recorded Sales Price:          Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: ~ New York ~

Excavated on the Massachusetts/ New York Border.
The Dale Collection.

GWI 17-B LAUREL WREATH/CROWN

Color: A light Olive ~ Brown With A Golden Inlay.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 15mm.
Rarity: R-4 Rating.
Variety Type: Plain Laurel Wreath.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Good Planchet Casting, Good Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: Another example which was professionally cleaned after excavation to show the original Gilt finish in the design through the corrosion. With this example, the planchet is solid, flat, but obviously shows metal fatigue and corrosion. The surface appears to have been smoothed, and shows no scratches or abrasions. The Laurel Wreath/Crown shows a light foot print, and does not give depth to the design (Most Gilt buttons do show shallow stamp wells). The clarity of the petal outline is mostly good, but the inside texture lines are mostly flat from the Gilt or just not raised enough to stand out. The two Laurel Stem Ties are barely stamped into the surface and hardly noticeable. They only show as two small dots. The Roman Font capital letters only show a light foot print, but are easily readable with the Gilt finish. I personal think this is a good combination of colors. Even though excavated and professionally cleaned, I would still recommend this button to any serious GW collector to make part of their collection.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is reported to be original, straight, and intact. The reverse surface is corroded, but free of any harsh scratches or abrasions.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 B-6:
History: Some               Recorded Sales Price:         No
Current Button Owner and Location:                      No

Dug in a farmer's field in Schoharie, New York in June 2008 ~

GWI 17-A THE LAUREL WREATH/CROWN WITH STAR

Color: A Washed Out Silver With A Dark Brown Background
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Impressed Star, Brass.
Size: 20mm.
Rarity: R-5
Variety Type: The Laurel Wreath with Star.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Fair Planchet Casting, Fair Impressions
Obverse Button Analysis: A corroded button that still posses some remaining qualities. The brass planchet metal fatigue, deterioration and decay. The surface is heavily pitted, and shows micro porosity throughout. The surface does retain 60% of it's original silvering, but has either flaked or chipped off in most areas. The Laurel Wreath/Crown still shows a strong outline of the petals, but is not deep enough to show the texture lines adequately within. The two Laurel Stem ties only show a vague outline because of a light strike, and are barely noticeable from the laurel petals themselves. The Roman Font capital letters for the slogan are hardly stamped with any depth, and some letters are hard to decipher. The letters appear to be decayed, or worn smooth into the surface. Unfortunately there is more, none of the existing letters show any of their inner definition lines. The Star has such a light impression, i had to ZOOM my computer magnification to it's highest setting. Well the good news is it is there, the bad news is it lacks the depth to stand out against the buttons corrosion. Unfortunately this button lacks any redeeming characteristics compared to other Star types, but I guess it would be a nice memento for a non collector.~ Woof Woof ~ D
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight and intact. The surface has metal fatigue, corrosion and decay.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 A-7:
History: Yes               Recorded Sales Price:          Yes
Current Button Owner and Location:       ~New York~

Excavated by Robert Jones in South Carolina.
The Dale Collection.

GWI 17-B LAUREL WREATH/CROWN

Color: A Highly Polished Iridescent Gold with A Light Green Overtone.
Metal: Impressed Brass with a Gilt Finish.
Size: 15mm.
Rarity: R-4 Rating.
Variety Type: The Plain Laurel Wreath.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Example, Good Planchet Casting, Good Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: A very attractive button which held it's age gracefully. The brass planchet is solid, and shows no metal fatigue or deterioration. The Gilt finish still wonderfully covers the surface evenly. The button shows some minor scuffs and abrasions, but seems to gracefully blend in with the color. The Laurel Wreath/Crown Stem on the right has a shallow strike, but shows a nice outline of the petals, as well as their inner texture lines. The Laurel Wreath/Crown Stem on the left also shows a shallow strike, but are missing some petals. The inner definition lines are clearly seen through the gilt (Most Gilt buttons do show shallow stamp wells). The two Laurel Stem Ties show a nice strike, and are easily recognizable. The Roman Font capital letters were probably struck adequately during manufacturing, but have worn down over time with garment use. My opinion is illustrated by the words "LONG LIVE THE," on the right hand side, which is bold and show good inner definition lines. The word "PRESIDENT" on the left hand side is almost worn completely flat into the surface. If sewn in one spot, this is most likely the position a finger would be constantly touching the button for buttoning. This is an excellent example with a lot of good merit. I would highly recommend this button for any serious GW collector.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact. The surface was reported to be free of any harsh scratches or blemishes.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 B-7:
History: Yes               Recorded Sales Price:           Yes
Current Button Owner and Location:                      No

GWI 17-B LAUREL WREATH/CROWN

Color: A Rich Light Chocolate Iridescent Patina.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Impressed Star, Silvered Copper.
Size: 15mm.
Rarity: R-4 Rating.
Variety Type: The Plain Laurel Wreath.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Example, Exceptional Planchet Casting, Exceptional Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is an exceptional button with with sharp crisp lines. The brass planchet is solid and flat, and shows no metal fatigue or deterioration. The light chocolate patina is consistent throughout the surface of both sides. The button's surface is smooth and has no scratches or abrasions. The Laurel Wreath/Crown has a strong deep strike, and shows the petals inner texture lines clearly. The Laurel Stem Ties are nicely set in, and easily seen against the background. The Roman Font capital letters show a nice impression, and are easy to read with good straight lines. The letter's inner definition lines are also vividly shown. This is an excellent example, and should be considered a Gem in anyone's GW collection.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is reported to be original, straight, and intact. The surface is smooth, and shows no scratches or abrasions.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 B-8:
History: Yes               Recorded Sales Price:           Yes
Current Button Owner and Location:                      No

GWI 17-B LAUREL WREATH/CROWN

Color: A Dark Olive ~ Brown With A Dusty Brown Inlay.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 15mm.
Rarity: R-4 Rating.
Variety Type: Plain Laurel Wreath.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Strong Planchet Casting, Strong Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: Another extraordinary example that has stood the test of time. The planchet is solid and flat, and shows no metal fatigue or deterioration. The appears to be some slight corrosion to the surface that is within the letters and pattern, but minor. The button appears to be smooth, and shows no scratches or abrasions to the surface. As with many gilded specimens, the Laurel Wreath/Crown only shows a light foot print for the gold fill. The clarity of the petal outline is very sharp, and the inner texture lines are still easily seen. The two Laurel Stem Ties have a nice stamp, and show nicely. The Roman Font capital letters only have a light foot print impression, but are still easily readable. There is a touch of letter decay within the outline, but without ground action this should slow dramatically. I like the rare color combination of the patina's green and brown/orange. I highly recommend this button to any serious GW collector to make part of their collection. This button has amazingly strong attributes for a dug button.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact. The reverse surface shows some corrosive properties, but is still smooth and flat and free of any harsh scratches or abrasions.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 B-15:
History: Some          Recorded Sales Price:   Never Sold
Current Button Owner and Location:       ~ New Jersey~

Excavated by Jim in South Jersey (1 of 2)2011.~

GWI 17-B LAUREL WREATH/CROWN

Color: A Forest Green With A Dusty Orange Inlay.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 15mm.
Rarity: R-4 Rating.
Variety Type: Plain Laurel Wreath.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Strong Planchet Casting, Strong Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is another great Jewel that will shine in someone's rare GW collection. The patina has that wonderful rare forest green patina with a rusty orange inlay to make the pattern pop. The brass planchet is solid and flat, and shows no metal fatigue or planchet deterioration. There appears to be some slight corrosion that is within the patterns letters, but only minor. The button is smooth to the touch, and shows no scratches or abrasions to the surface. As with many gilded specimens, the Laurel Wreath/Crown only has a light foot print for the gold fill. The clarity of the petal outline is very sharp, and the inner texture lines are still easily seen. The two Laurel Stem Ties have a nice clear stamp, and are easy to see. The Roman Font capital letters only have a light foot print impression, but are pronounced and still easily readable. There is a touch of decay in a few of the letter's lines, but this is the normal result from ground action. Now that the button is encapsulated, this should slow dramatically to a halt. I highly recommend this button to any serious GW collector to make part of their collection. This button has amazingly strong attributes for this particular variety, and even more so for a dug button.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact. The reverse surface shows some corrosive properties, but is still smooth and flat and free of any harsh scratches or abrasions.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 B-16:
History: Some          Recorded Sales Price:              Yes
Current Button Owner and Location:      ~ New Jersey~

Excavated at an old tavern site in Cape May South Jersey by Jim in May of 2011.~
The Gray Collection.

GWI 17-B THE LAUREL WREATH/CROWN

Color: A Golden Antique Brass.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Impressed Star, Gilt Brass.
Size: 15mm.
Rarity: R-4
Variety Type: The Laurel Wreath.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Example, Strong Planchet Casting, Strong Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: A very nice button with some strong lasting impressions. The brass planchet is still solid and flat, and shows no metal deterioration or fatigue. The surface does have some minor scratches, but they blend into the buttons patina well. The Laurel Wreath/Crown has a strong clear impression for the petals, and the inner texture lines are easy to see. The two Laurel Stem Ties are also have a clear image and good impression. The Roman Font capital letters for the slogan show a nice strike and easily readable. The inner definition lines are also clearly shown within. Overall this is an exceptional button with strong design traits.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece button with a loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and intact. The surface has a few light scratches.

Library Records Has Limited Information WI 17 B-17:
History:      Yes    Recorded Sales Price:                  Yes
Current Button Owner and Location:                       No