1789 Memorable Era Button. Cobb-4, Albert WI-1A, DeWitt-GW 1789-4, Baker-1010. Brass. About Very Fine.

34.0 mm. Shank lost. Glossy olive brown surfaces are quite pleasing upon first inspection, though up close one can see that the surfaces were abraded during the normal course of use. Some traces of light porosity are also noted, suggesting that the lost shank might have resulted in this button itself having been lost for a short time. However, as noted, the eye appeal is still quite good. A trace of weakness at the upper right of the shield is the only point at which there is noteworthy loss of design, but the all-important and immensely historic legend is full and crisp. As discussed in the introduction to this section, this type has long been accepted as a Washington inaugural button, but that is not only incorrect, but also a diminishment of its true commemorative purpose.

From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex F.C.C. Boyd; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack's) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, Part II, May 2004, lot 234.