Washington Buttons
(1789) George Washington Inaugural Button "Eagle and Star" Type Albert WI-12B with Original Silvering Near New
(1789) George Washington Inaugural Button, "Eagle and Star" Type, Albert WI-12B, With Original Silvering on Eagle and Star, Outstanding Choice Near New.
Rarity-5; 35 mm. This variety has 54 incuse dots or indentations forming the outer border. Within this is another border of extremely fine denticles (incuse lines). Though not mentioned by Albert, this inner border is known with large, medium or small denticles. This piece has the small denticles. Lovely chocolate color, with much of the original silvering remaining on the Eagle and Star. Heavier Silvering to the lower winds and about the central Heraldic Shield give the impression the Eagle is "taking off" in flight. The original shank is perfectly solid and straight, intact as made. The 2005 revised edition of Cobb's catalog of Washington Inaugural Buttons states Only Eight Examples of this variety are known, although possibly more currently. A similar example of this Button in choice condition sold in the Stack's January 21, 2003 sale (two decades ago) for $4,250 (hammer price). One of the Finest Known. This current example has shimmering surfaces, original Silvering, adding to its eye appeal, rarity, and desirability.