A RARE AND DATED GEORGE WASHINGTON INAUGURAL BUTTON

1 Large 18th century Memorable Era dated March Fourth 1789. George Washington: "Memorable Era" Inaugural Button. Listed by DeWitt and Sullivan as GW 1789-4 and by Alphaeus Albert as WI-1. Diameter 34 mm. This version is the only dated version made with the date of March fourth 1789 making it one of the top desirable GW buttons that exist. A stunning near mint with all devices and lettering strong, strike is great and in line with the consignors info. The consignor told us this has been passed down from his family through many generations from his 5th great grandfather, the original owner received the button at the time these were handed out. He lived in, and owned a plantation in Fairfax Virginia in 1789, and his name was George Askins, born 1765 in Fairfax county. The descendent has told us that somewhere along the line the shank broke and was taped to the back by his father (therefore the residue of black on the reverse) but we are assuming that sometime that must have come off as the tape and the shank are no longer present. We have been told by experts that some shanks in the past have been replaced using an original 18th century shank from a copper or bad condition inaugural button, and that although the missing shank affects the price it does not affect it tremendously as the front is the most historical and important part, especially in this near mint condition. We will leave that up to the purchaser of this rarity if they would like to have that done, WE WOULD BE HAPPY TO SUPPLY THE BUYER OF THIS VERY RARE EXAMPLE WITH ONE OF THIOSE AUTHENTIC 18TH CENTURY COPPER BUTTONS WITH A SHANK YOU CAN USE, keep in mind you would need to have it professionally braised on. Yes, even without the shank this example is still quite rare and desirable. The Memorable Era examples are highly prized examples as they were the only dated examples made at the time. Other than the missing shank, this button is in incredible condition, as it has been otherwise well cared for, for centuries. The patina is beautiful and the condition is a top rated example. Dimensions: SM=Less than 3/4", Medium=3/4" to 1 1/4". Large=1 1/4" and above, extra large=1 3/4" and above Date or Era: DIVISION 1=PRE 1918 AND DIVISION 3 IS AFTER 1918 Condition Request Condition Report PLEASE NOTE: These buttons for the most part are antique and may have age related wear. We make every effort to point out any significant condition related concerns, but again they are antique and not new. We also cannot be responsible for replaced shanks or issues related to the backs of any buttons on multiple button cards as we do not remove these buttons to re-card them. Please contact us if you would like any further condition reports on any lot.

Estimate:$500

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