399

Lot 399: George Washington Inaugural Button

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Lot  399: George Washington Inaugural Button
<b>Washington Buttons</b><hr><b>Scarce George Washington Inaugural Button</b>

<b>George Washington Inaugural Button, About Extremely Fine.</b>
35 mm. Variant of Albert WI 12. The design is of an American Eagle with shield displayed and a heraldic estoile with alternate wavy lines above. Dark, olive-brown with a slightly wavy appearance and uniform surface patina, most likely from having been buried. All of the details are crisp and clear. The original shank is intact and upright. Very scarce and one of the nicer ones we’ve offered in quite some time.

These buttons were made for the occasion of Washington’s inauguration as our country’s first President in 1789. Apparently, they were made not only for use on Washington’s inaugural apparel, but also for sale to the general public as souvenirs of the event. Today, they are among the most popular of all the Washingtonia items.