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GWI 19-A, B, & C PATER PATRIAE: The Pater Patriae
was designed as a patriotic portrait button of George
Washington. The size for A is 25mm., and has a copper
shell (that was sometimes silvered) and has a bone back
with a cat gut cord for attachment. The size for B is a 25mm., and has
a brass or copper shell with a pewter back, and an iron
shank. GWI 19-C is made of brass, and has an oval shape that measures 12mm. x 20mm. The
shank for C is also reportedly an integral part of the
button itself, instead of the normal soldered on loop.
There is also a smaller cuff link size for C, but the
exact dimensions are unknown at this time. Variety type
A & C have an R-7 Rating, and Variety type B has an R-6
Rating. The smaller Cuff Link size for GWI 19-C has an
R-6 Rating. In GWI 19-A & B the button shows a military
bust of Washington posing to the right. He is wearing a
1770's dress coat, and is depicted as the General of the
Continental Army. Washington is wearing a Cocked Hat
(Tricorn)
with a Military Cockade over his left eye . Washington's
title appears to be stamped in Roman Font capital
letters. On the right side of the button is the word
"GENERAL", and the left side is the word "WASHINGTON".
Below the military bust of Washington, are two thick
incuse horizontal lines with the motto "Pater Patriae"
phrased in-between.
GWI 19-C is a newly re-discovered design, that has only
made it's appearance within the last ten years. It was
placed within GWI 19 because of it's strong similarity
in it's pattern. This button shows a portrait of a much
younger George Washington. He is wearing a cocked hat,
and facing left. He has a military gorget around his
neck, which is tied with a ribbon and bow. Underneath
the bust is his first initial "G" and his surname
"WASHINGTON" which is written in all Roman font capital
letters. What makes this button stand out from others in
this variety class is that it doesn't rely on intricate
inner details for it's beauty. It uses smooth fluid
lines that flow.
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Albert rated this an R-6 with only 3-5 known, but Cobb
knew of six making it an R-5.
Other Possible Examples of GWI 19:
Mr. Robert Arnell of Long Island, New York supposedly
had a Copper face with a bone back and catgut shank,
this specimen is subject to question, and its present
location is unknown.~ (This would be like Flud's unique
example.
-Thomas Owens of Gorham, Maine acquired a specimen that
is somewhat worn, from a woman in his home town.~
-Albert's Plate Specimen.
-One example is known to have Bone Back, Cat Gut Shank.~ Fluds'~
-The Netherland's Sale Lot#1086 which went to Cobb's friend Piercy.
-Ruby Darrohn had two passed down as Family heirlooms/
One went to Cobb.
*Accounting for the original examples known in the 20th
Century: Ruby Darrohn (2), Piercy (1), Flud (1), Albert
(1), and the Smithsonian (1).
*Ownership has changed hands for most of these
specimens.
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GWI 19-B THE PATER PATRIAE
Color: A Dull Brass.
Metal: 3-Piece, Impressed Design On A Stamped Brass Shell, Pewter Back, Iron
Shank.
Size: 25mm. 86.1 Grains
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: GWI 19-B Brass Shell, Pewter Back.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Example,
Exceptional Planchet Casting, Strong Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: This button has been
lightly cleaned in the past, but has started to re-tone
nicely. The brass planchet is solid and flat, and shows
no metal fatigue or deterioration. The surface is evenly
shaded throughout with a dull golden brass color. There are a few
light scratches to the surface, but nothing harsh that
detracts from the pattern's image. The facial features of the portrait, and
military bust has some spots of flat wear, but the inner line
details are still easy to see. The Cocked Hat, and the
Wig underneath still show a strong impression, with
all the inner details lines. The Cockade on the front
of the Hat has a strong outline with a good image. The Roman
Font capital letters for
Washington's military title has a nice deep strike,
and the letters are easy too read. All the
inner definition lines within the letters are still
present, except for the "A" in WASHINGTON. The
horizontal lines above and below the bottom legend (PATER PATRIAE) have a nice deep strike, and show the
inner horizontal definition lines clearly. As with all
the known examples, there appears to be an uneven thickness and symmetry
in the thickness and cut of the lines. This probably is the result of the die not being properly cut
due to a poor measurement consideration for the
button's diameter. The bottom Catchphrase, "PATER PATRIAE" still
shows a nice deep strike,
except for the "R" in PATER, and the "P" in PATRIAE.
Aside from the poor die measurement for the bottom Catchphrase,
this button is an excellent example for this rare
variety.
Reverse Button Analysis: Medium Gray Color. This
button uses an Iron
Loop Shank. No other information is known.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 19 B-1:
History: No
Recorded Sales Price: No
Current Button Owner and Location: No
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GWI 19 C THE PATER PATRIAE
Color: A Nicely Aged Greenish Brown Patina
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece Impressed Design, Brass.
Size: Oval Shape, 12mm.Wide X 20mm. Long.
Rarity: R-7
Variety Type: Younger Washington / Fluid Style.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Good
Planchet Casting, Good Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: Top Kudos for the metal
detector hobbyist that discovered this rare beauty. This
style button was thought to be lost to time until a few
years ago. The brass planchet is solid and flat, and
shows no metal fatigue, loss, or deterioration. The
button luckily has no deep scratches or abrasions, but
it does have microporosity spread evenly throughout
surface. The portrait of Washington still retains a nice
deep impression, and shows good fluid lines for his
facial features and garments. The tricorn hat upon the
young Washington's head also shows a good image, with
clean fluid lines.There is a Wig underneath his hat, but
is hard to see. The military gorget with the ribbon and
bow still has an outline impression, but not really a
clear image of it's design. At the bottom of the button
is Washington's first initial "G." and last name,
"WASHINGTON". These letters are all in Roman Style
capital block letters. Unfortunately, most of the
letters are decayed and worn flat into the surface. The
letter lines lack clear edges, and the "INGT" in
WASHINGTON is just unreadable. Overall this is a
wonderful new discovery with a great fluid design. This
is a real welcome into this variety.
Reverse Button Analysis: This might possibly be a One-Piece Casting for
the Reverse Shank. (The
Shank is also an integral part of the button itself).
Shank is reportedly original,
straight, and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI
19 C-1:
History: Yes
Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
This was recently
discovered in the 1990's, by the use of a metal
detector.~ |
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GWI 19-C PATER PATRIAE CUFF
LINK
Color: A Golden Brown.
Metal: Slightly Domed, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Stamped Brass.
Size: Oval Shape Cuff Link Size.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: Younger Washington / Fluid Style.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Strong
Planchet Casting, Strong Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is an extraordinary
example of a gentleman's cuff link from the late 1790's. The planchet is
oval and slightly domed. This specimen is corroded from
ground action, but fortunately shows no chipping or
metal loss. The surface appears to be granular, and shows signs of micro porosity. The portrait still has
a clear image and a good strike impression. The facial
features and garments still show nice fluid lines. The tricorn
hat still retains a deep strike outline, but there are a
few spots smooth wear to the image. Underneath the tricorn hat he
appears to be wearing a gentleman's wig, which only
retains a very light impression, but an image remnant is
there. Lightly stamped around the young Washington's
neck is a military gorget tied with a ribbon and bow.
The ribbon is not clearly defined, but the bow is still
present and retains a good image. At the bottom of the button is
Washington's first initial, and last his name, "G.
WASHINGTON". This is in all Roman Font capital block
letters. Unfortunately, most of the letter lines are decayed,
or worn smooth into the surface. Overall this is a
wonderful example, with a great design. This size is a
real welcome into this variety.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece
button with a loop shank. Shank is Original and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 19 C-2:
History: Yes
Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
This was Excavated in
Pennsylvania in the 1990's.~
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GWI 19 C PATER PATRIAE CUFF
LINK
Color: An Ocher of Brown, Green and Yellow.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Brass.
Size: Oval Shape, Cuff Link Size.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: Younger Washington / Fluid Style.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Good
Planchet, Good Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is another great example of
this rare cuff link that still shows a clear image of
the original pattern. The brass planchet shows fatigue
and is corroded due to ground action. The surface has a
nice even greenish brown color shade. Most likely this
specimen was buried in or near ground water. The
portrait still retains a nice deep strike impression, and
has a good image of the facial features and garments.
The tricorn hat has a nice outline with clear fluid
lines. The gentleman's wig
underneath the tricorn hat is kind of lost in idenity.
The military gorget tied around Washington's neck
still has a decent impression and image. The
ribbon and bow holding the gorget also has a clear image. At the bottom of the button is
Washington's first initial, and last name, "G.
WASHINGTON". This is easily readable, but
the letters are corroded and decayed. Since there isn't
to many examples of these cuff links, this example
would probably be considered above average.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one piece
button with a loop shank. Shank is Original and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 19 C-3:
History: Yes
Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
This was Excavated in South
Carolina.~ |
GWI 19-B THE PATER PATRIAE
Color: A Deep Reddish Brown with Golden
Highlights.
Metal: 3-Piece, Impressed Design On A Brass Shell, Pewter Back, Iron
Shank.
Size: 25mm. 85.4 Grains.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: GWI 19-B Brass Shell, Pewter Back.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Example,
Strong Planchet Casting, Strong Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is an extraordinary
specimen that retained most of it's original pattern.
The brass shell appears to be solid, but it does show some metal
loss with a small notch above the "W" in WASHINGTON.
Fortunately, it doesn't reach in far enough to effect the image of the Cocked
Hat or "W". As with all of Cobb's buttons, this has been
lightly cleaned by him, but it still retains a nice tone. The surface shows some light scratching
and wear. The brass is also tarnished in the field around the word,
"GENERAL" the Side of the hat, and by the "NG" in his
name. The inner details of the facial features don't
show a
strong image, but there is still a good outline for the
facial features.
His military uniform is the strong point of this button's
pattern.
The lines show a deep impression and a clear
image. There is a spot of flat wear in the middle of the
bust, but fortunately all the surrounding lines fill out
the whole picture. The Cocked Hat has a strong strike
and a clear image. Unfortunately, in this specimen, the wig underneath
the hat is
practically undetectable. The military cockade on the
hat is barely noticeable, and only shows a light foot
print. The Roman Font
capital letters for Washington's military title,
"GENERAL WASHINGTON" appears to be another strong asset
of the button. The letters show a nice deep strike,
along with
good letter lines. The horizontal lines above and below
the bottom catchphrase, "PATER PATRIAE", have nice wide
line strikes, and still retain their inner definition lines.
The catchphrase, PATER PATRIAE is only half readable.
The "PATRIAE" is barely readable. As with
all examples of this variety, there is an uneven
thickness and symmetry in the lines and letters used in
the catchphrase. This is the result of the original
manufacture's die not being measured properly for
the die.
Reverse Button Analysis: This button has a
pewter backing with an Iron
Loop Shank. Medium Gray/Silver Color. Cobb Label on
Back.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 19 B-2:
History: Yes
Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
2003 Stacks Sale.~
Harold Cobb/Descendants 1957.~
Ruby Darrohn's Family Heirloom.~
Cobb obtained his specimen in 1957 from Ruby Darrohn of
New York. Her family was fortunate enough to own *Two as
family heirlooms. His first attempt at acquiring one
failed, when it was sold to a family friend. His second
try was successful, working through an antique dealer
who swapped furniture for the button. It ended up
working out better for Cobb, because the piece he got
was described by the owner as ``...a better one than the
first one, as the lettering is much plainer...I did not
clean it at all''.~
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GWI 19-C PATER PATRIAE CUFF
LINK
Color: A Nicely Brown Ocher.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Brass.
Size: Oval Shape, Cuff Link Size.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: Younger Washington / Fluid Style.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Fair
Planchet, Fair Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: The interesting thing
about this unique cuff button is that it must have been available
in both the northern and southern states. We have
excavated piece in both areas. Obviously this button has seen better days.
Corrosions and decay has gotten the better side of this
cuff link. There is a viewable image, and a clear
understanding of what we are looking at, but mostly all the
details of the design are lost. This makes a nice
memento, and should be considered for a collection of
George Washington buttons because of it's rarity.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece
button with a loop shank. Shank is reported to be original and
intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 19 C-4:
History: Yes
Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
This was Excavated in
Maryland.~
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GWI 19-C PATER PATRIAE CUFF
LINK
Color: An Algae Green Patina.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Brass.
Size: Oval Shape, Cuff Link Size.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: Younger Washington Fluid Style.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Fair
Planchet, Fair Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: This buttons unusual
patina makes me wonder what it was buried in for the
last 200
years. (I feel if someone said it was dug in New Jersey,
I would understand lol). The planchet is oval and slightly domed.
The planchet definitely shows signs of metal fatigue,
but no metal loss or chipping. The button is heavily
corroded and does have micro porosity all over the surface.
From the photographs, there appears to be no scratches
or abrasions effecting the surface or the image. The portrait still
retains a nice foot print impression, and shows the lines for the facial features and
garments. The tricorn hat upon the young Washington's
head still shows an image with an adequate outline. The
gentleman's wig is barely noticeable. The Ribbon
and Bow around the young Washington's neck is
unfortunately unidentifiable. At the bottom,
Washington's first initial and last name, "G.
WASHINGTON" is unreadable and corroded/decayed into the surface.
Overall the button has a recognizable image, but unfortunately
corrosion took a foot hold and destroyed the specimens
image.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a one-piece
button with a loop shank. Shank is reportedly original,
straight, and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 19 C-5:
History: Yes
Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
This was the 2nd one to be
excavated in South Carolina.~
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GWI 19-B THE PATER PATRIAE
Color: A Light Polished Brass Yellow with
Verdigris spots.
Metal: Convex, 1-Piece, Impressed Design, Brass.
Size: 25mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: GWI 19-B, Brass Sub Variety.
Obverse Button Analysis: This recent example
surfaced in an 2005, and it's provenance was established
to be from an old Virginia family that had passed it
down as a family heirloom over the centuries. Unlike the
others examples of this variety, this planchet has a
slightly convex obverse. The brass planchet is solid, but
shows some metal loss with a chip in the middle. The
surface color has some kind of chemical discoloration
from using improper cleaning solvents. Somehow the
metal's color oxidized and turned a greenish-yellow
throughout the whole surface. As for the planchet, there
are a few light scratches and abrasions to the surface,
but they seem to have blended in nicely over time with the
button's patina. Washington's facial features and
military coat is unfortunately worn flat, and lacks a
clear detailed image. His cocked hat has a poor
impression, and shows a lot of flat wear. The military cockade on the
front of the hat is worn smooth into the surface. The Roman
Font capital
letters for "GENERAL WASHINGTON" only retains
a light foot print impression, but the letters are still easy to see and read
for the most part.
The inner letter lines are completely absent. The
horizontal lines above and below, "PATER PATRIAE", still
have a nice impression, and retain a clear image of the inner definition
horizontal lines. The bottom catchphrase, "PATER
PATRIAE" still has a nice deep strike, except for the
end, "RIAE"
in PATRIAE. Unfortunately the word, PATER PATRIAE wasn't
specially cut within the die to fit the planchets
diameter properly. This seems to be the case for this
variety. Obviously this button wasn't copied by
different Artisans, or this mistake would have been
corrected and shown in other examples. I do not see this
button ever coming back to the market for GW collectors.
On the good side, it will be seen by thousands of
visitors a year to George Washington's home in MT.
Vernon.
Reverse Button Analysis: This button is slightly
concave, and has a loop
shank soldered on top of a raised dome. The surface is smooth,
and free of any harsh scratches and abrasions.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 19 B-3:
History: Partial
Recorded Sales Price: No
Current Button Owner and Location:
~ Virginia ~
George Washington's Home at Mt Vernon, Virginia.~
Added to Mount Vernon Estate, Museum & Gardens.~
Other Possible Examples of GWI 19:
Mr. Robert Arnell of Long Island, New York supposedly
had a Copper face with a bone back and catgut shank,
this specimen is subject to question, and its present
location is unknown.~
The only one known of this construction was described as
having a Silvered Copper face.~
Thomas Owens of Gorham, Maine acquired a specimen that
is somewhat worn, from a woman in his home town.~
One example is know to have Bone Back, Cat Gut Shank.~
ex. Flud~
Accounting for the original examples known in the 20th
Century: Ruby Darrohn (2), Piercy (1), Flud (1), Albert
(1), and the Smithsonian (1).
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