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GWI 13-A, B, C, D, E, & F THE
EAGLE WITH AN EIGHT POINT ESTOILE TYPE STAR: This button
was manufactured in either Stamped Brass or Copper, and
some had a Gilt Finish.
The Size for A,
B, C, D, & F is 34mm, and the size for F, the "Half Moon
Design" is a little bit larger at 35mm. The Varieties
vary in their Rarity Rating depending on their metal
composition and die variant. GWI 13-A through F are all
R-6 or R-7. GWI 13-A has 20 or 21
Leaf Like Indents with a Single Line Border in-between.
GWI 13-B has 24 or 25 Leaf Like Indents with a Single Line
Border in-between. GWI-C has 27 Leaf Like Indents with
a Single Line Border in-between. Type D has a plain flat
Border with No Indents or Border Lines. Type E has 25
Oblong Indents that are each within a Half Moon Design.
GWI-F has 20 Oblong Indents with a Triple or Quadruple
Line Border. All six varieties are flat one-piece
buttons that have a soldered on loop shank.
Stamped in the center of the button is a
Federal Spread-Eagle
proudly spaying its wings under a
Estoile type Star.
Clutched tightly in the Eagles left talon is
a small
Bundle of
Three Arrows.
This symbolizes our country's readiness for War. In the Eagles right
talon is the
Olive Branch, which is the ancient Roman
symbol for peace. As with all other GW buttons of this
time period, the Eagles head is wisely turned toward the
Olive Branch to show that our country's sentiments and
preference for peace. On the Eagle's
chest, is an early design for the
Federal Shield.
It has
Seven Horizontal Dots across the top portion of
the shield, and
Six Vertical Stripes going across the
lower portion of the shield. This design represented the
original
Thirteen States that
were unified under the
New Constitution. Above the Eagles head is a fancy
Estoile
Type Star.
This variant has an inner center design of
Nine Small Circles in a Ring Pattern.
Outside the pattern is a group of
Three Short and Long Lines that Circle Around the Center.
In-between each group of lines, is a
Single Wavy Line
to give the impression of a
Star or Sun Radiating Heat.
Circling around the inner design is a
Stippled Border Ring.
Circling around the outside border edge is a various
number of
Leaf Like Punch Marks
or
Oblong Indents.
In-between this design is one of three known design
patterns: A
Single Line Border;
A
Multiple Line Border;
or a
Half Moon Design.
The whole design is stamped on a plain flat field with a
designed edge border.
I decided to
introduce Two New
Sub-Varieties into the World of GW Buttons:
GWI 13-E & F, for
the serious variety collector to make the distinction
between the six design types that are known to exist. I
felt this new introduction was needed because a
different die-cut was fabricated, and used in the
manufacturing of these buttons. Even though these
Sub-Varieties all share the same design features as GWI
13, they have different patterns in the Border Designs and Planchet Sizes to
make them distinct onto themselves as a Sub-Variety.
Robert's Notes:
As to the Sub Varieties of a
specific button letter, one has to take into account
that the same pattern was copied by more then one
craftsman, and that would account for the subtle
variations in the dies that were used and the buttons we
find. One Pattern can show 20 Oblong Leaf like Punch
Marks, and another pattern can show 21. One Button can
show a Triple Line Border, and another show a Quadruple
Line Border. I believe this pattern was copied by
other Artisans so much there are probably more
variations then the six I noted.
1. Denotes Stamped through
Reverse.~
|
R.J.%20Georgewashingtoninauguralbuttons.com.jpg)

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GWI 13-A.1 THE EAGLE WITH AN
EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: Hershey's Milk Chocolate!
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 20-1 Leaf Pattern Punch Marks, 20
Single Slash Line Border.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Example,
Strong Planchet Casting, Strong Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is a really nice
example with a nice chocolate color mix. The brass
planchet is solid and flat, and shows no metal fatigue
or deterioration. The surface has a few light scratches
from past cleanings, but they appears to have blended in
with the patina since. The Eagle still retains a good
strike outline, except for the tip of the Beak, and the
bottom edges of the Wings and Tail Feathers.
Unfortunately, the button has lost it's inner feather
details because of it's age and wear, but still gives a
good presentation. The Liberty Shield still has a good
strike outline, but only shows the perimeter dots on the
right hand side. The inner vertical stripes and
horizontal dots are all nicely impressed and easy to
see. The Laurel Stem still retains a good strike
impression, and shows a clear image of the stem, and all
the individual petals. Unfortunately, the Eagle's other
talon which holds the small Bundle of Arrows, doesn't
retain a clear image. The shafts and tips are pretty
much worn flat into the surface. The Estoile Star/Sun
has a good strong impression, and shows a clear image of
all the individual rays. Even the individual center
circles are easily viewed. The Stippled Ring around the
border still holds a nice impression, but has some
shallow spots around the four o'clock position. The Leaf
Pattern Punch Marks all show nice deep strikes, but
unfortunately the position is inaccurately stamped
between the Slash Line Borders. The Single Slash Line
Borders are all evenly spaced, and nicely struck.
Overall this is an exceptional example of this rare
variety, and has a nice milk chocolate color shade
throughout.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece
button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original,
straight and intact. The surface shows the rare strike
through reverse.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 13 A-1:
History: Yes
Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No |
R.J.%20Georgewashingtoninauguralbuttons.com%20wi%2013%20b-1.jpg)
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GWI 13-B THE EAGLE WITH AN
EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Nice Burnished Two Tone Coppery-Brown
with Lighter Reddish-Brown Highlights.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 25 Leaf Pattern Punch Marks, 25
Single Slash Line Border.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Example,
Exceptional Planchet Casting, Strong Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: Another exceptional
example with great color tone. The brass planchet is
solid and flat, and shows no metal fatigue or
deterioration. The surface was noted to be burnished
long ago, and has given it a smooth glossy finish. There
are no deep scratches or harsh abrasions, and the button
is free of any pitting or micro porosity. The Eagle
still retains a deep strike outline for the head, body,
and wings, but unfortunately all the inner feather
details are worn flat into the surface. The Liberty
Shield has a deep stamped outline, but the perimeter
dots are mostly worn flat into the surface. The shield's
inner horizontal dots and vertical stripes are still
shown nicely. The Laurel Stem is also nicely stamped
with a nice impression and has a strong image for all of
it's individual petals. As with all other known examples
in this variety, the Bundle of Arrows has a poor strike
impression, and a weak image of the arrow shafts and
tips. The Estoile (6 pointed) Star/ Sun has a good
strong impression, and shows all the individual long and
short rays clearly. The center dots are still visible
with this example, but they lack a deep stamp to show
all the individual dots clearly. The Stippled Ring
around the periphery is only skin deep, and worn flat
around the 2:30 to 3:30 position. The Leaf Pattern Punch
Marks are nicely stamped, and in the correct position
between the Slash Line Borders. The Single Slash Line
Borders are evenly spaced, and nicely struck for depth.
Overall this button is definitely a gem with a lot of
strong design attributes. This would make a wonderful
addition to anyone's GW collection.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece
button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and
intact. The surface is smooth without any pitting or
harsh abrasions.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 13 B-1:
History: Yes
Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No |
R.J.%20Georgewashingtoninauguralbuttons.com.jpg%20WI%20C-1.JPG)
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GWI 13-C.1 THE EAGLE WITH AN
EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: Brass Yellow with a Golden-Pale Green
Patina.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 27 Leaf Pattern Punch Marks, 27
Single Slash Line Border.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Example,
Strong Planchet Casting, Good Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: This Cobb example has a
nice warm aged feel to it. The brass planchet is solid
and flat, and shows no signs of metal fatigue or
deterioration. The button was noted to be cleaned by
Cobb, (as with all his buttons) but this one has started
to re-tone nicely since. The surface unfortunately shows
some small pits and micro porosity, but nothing on a big
scale. The only problem with the surface is that there
is numerous scratches and abrasions throughout. The
Eagle shows a good strike outline for the head and most
of the body, but there is some weakness for the top of
the left leg and wing. They appear to be wearing flat
into the surface. As for the inner feather details, they
are also showing semi flat images. The Liberty Shield
still retains a visible outline, but shows a weak
strike, and the perimeter dots are worn smooth into the
surface. Fortunately, the inner horizontal dots and
vertical stripes have a clear impression and image. The
Laurel Stem has a good deep strike, and shows most of
the individual petals clearly. The Bundle of Arrows in
the Eagle's left talon is unfortunately worn flat and
barely recognizable. They only shows a faint image of
the Nock Feathers, and remnant images of two of the
three Arrow Heads. The Estoile Star/ Sun has a strong
impression, and shows all the individual long and short
rays clearly. The center dots are unfortunately muted,
and worn flat into the surface. The Stippled Ring around
the periphery is barely skin deep, but still holds a
visible image all the way around. The Leaf Pattern Punch
Marks have a strong impression, are fabulously clear and
evenly spaced. This might be the best representation of
Leaf design from all the known existing examples. The
Single Slash Line Border is lightly struck in areas, but
evenly spaced. This button is still a nice example of
this rare variety. Unfortunately it the lacks inner
details to make it exceptional, but the button is used
and 225 years old.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece
button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and
intact. The Design shows through the back from the
original die strike. A few scratches and abrasions, but
nothing to detract.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 13 C-1:
History: Yes
Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
Stacks Auctions January 2003.~
Harold Cobb/Descendants 1962 to 2003.~
Cobb Purchased this from Helen Richmond in 1962.~ |

-GWI 13-D, R-6
Plate Example-
-NO BORDER NOTCHES OR SLASHES-
R.J.%20Georgewashingtoninauguralbuttons.com.jpg%20WI%20B-3.JPG)
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GWI 13-E THE EAGLE WITH AN
EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Polished Gilt Design with Brownish Black
Base and Green Encrustations.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Hand Fashioned Design, Gilt Brass. (Possibly hand
fashioned afterward)
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 25 Oblong Indents, Half Moon
Border.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Good
Planchet Casting, Good Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: Even though excavated,
this button has some great retained characteristics. The
button could be Hand Fashioned afterward to make the
design sparkle in the sun with the Gilt. The brass
planchet is unfortunately corroded, and shows some small
pits and micro porosity. The surface has an even
granular texture instead of flat and smooth. The Eagle
is still nicely outlined, and has a stronger then usual
detail in the Beak, Tail and Wing Feathers.
The Wing Feathers also has
small round bead cuts which gives the Gilt a sparkling
effect when hit by the sunlight.
That right there makes this an awesome example to own!
The Liberty Shield still shows a nice outline, but
doesn't display all the perimeter dots unfortunately.
The inner detail of the horizontal dots and vertical
stripes still present a good image. Only some of the
dots aren't viewable anymore. The Laurel Stem is clearly
visible, and shows a good outline of all the individual
petals. The Bundle of Arrows in the Eagle's left talon
is no longer clearly pictured. There are only faint
remnant outlines of the nock feathers and arrow tips.
The shafts themselves are either corroded over, or worn
flat into the surface. The Estoile Star/Sun is
definitely a strong point of the button. It is boldly
shown above the Eagle's head with excellent clarity. All
the circular dots in the center, and the long and short
rays have a good clear image. The Stippled Ring around
the periphery is unfortunately corroded or worn flat.
Only a few partial images remain. The Oblong Indents are
nicely struck, and evenly spaced inside the Half Moon
Borders. The Half Moon borders are clearly etched, and
proportionately spaced to fit the Oblong Indents within.
This is demonstrated by gaps between some of the half
moons and an overlap by the nine o'clock position. Even
though the surface is corroded, this devices strong
engravings make it a Jewel.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece
button with a soldered on loop shank.
(Unknown description).
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 13 E-1:
History: Yes
Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
Found under an old oak tree in
Maryland October 2008.~ |

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GWI 13-F THE EAGLE WITH AN
EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Greenish Brown Patina.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 20 Oblong Indents, 21 Triple Line
Border.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Good
Planchet Casting, Good Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: This variation with the
triple line crimped border makes a nice addition to this
variety. The brass planchet appears to be solid and
flat, but shows metal fatigue with corrosion and porous
areas. The surface appears a bit course, and shows light
scratches and abrasions throughout. Except for the head,
most of the Eagle's body shows a strong outline strike
with a clear image. Even the inner feather details in
the wings are nicely shown. The button no longer holds
an image for the Laurel Stem or any of the petals. They
are just worn flat into the surface. The Bundle of
Arrows still has a vague image and impression, but it is
mostly decayed into the surface. The Liberty Shield
shows a deep stamp, but no clear detail of the perimeter
dots. The inner details of the horizontal dots and
vertical stripes within the shield no longer shows. The
Estoile Star/Sun still has a nice strike impression, and
has a nice image of most of it's individual rays. The
Stippled Ring around the periphery shows a nice
impression, but does have some flat / wear spots. The
Triple line crimped border still shows strong strikes
with good depth. The oblong indents in-between are
mostly corroded and decayed into the surface. Overall
the button has retained some good impressions for clear
identity, just wish the Eagles head wasn't worn flat
into the surface.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece
button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is reportedly original,
straight and intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 13 F-1:
History: Yes
Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location:
~ New Jersey ~
This Button is part of the Bergen County Historical
Society Member's Collection.~ |

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GWI 13-A THE EAGLE WITH AN
EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Light Whitish-Orange Tinge.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Copper.
Size: 34mm.
Rarity: R-6 (Only Copper Known)
Variety Type: 21 Leaf Pattern Punch Marks, 22
Single Slash Line Border.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Example, Fair
Planchet Casting, Good Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: This is the only
specimen to date that is known to be Copper. This button
was once owned by Harold Cobb, and he was known to have
cleaned and polished most of his buttons, so that would
probably account for the button's lustrous bright color.
The softer copper planchet is solid and flat, and shows
no metal fatigue or deterioration. The button is said to
have an unevenness to the surface, but from the photo's
provided it must be very slight because it's hard to
detect. The surface unfortunately shows numerous
scratches and abrasions, but fortunately there is no
micro porosity or pitting. The outline of the Eagle is
nicely stamped, but unfortunately the inner details of
the wing and tail feathers is worn flat into the
surface. The Liberty Shield is also clearly outlined,
but only shows the left half of the perimeter dots. The
inside horizontal dots and vertical stripes only have
weak impressions, but luckily still holds a viewable
worn image. The Laurel Stem is still clearly shown with
all the individual petals. The Bundle of Arrows has a
weak impression for the shafts, but it does have some
remnant images for the arrow heads and nock feathers.
The Estoile Star/ Sun is mostly worn flat, and doesn't
shows all the individual rays clearly. The center's dots
are completely absent from the Estoile. The Stippled
Ring on the periphery still holds a nice impression, and
a decent image. The Leaf Pattern Punch Marks around the
border have a nice impression, but demonstrate die
fatigue from the original manufacturing. Also, some of
the Leaf Pattern punch marks are ill shaped, and have a
dis-apportioned size to one another. Plus the die
strike shows there offset from the correct positioning.
The Slash Line Border still holds a good deep
impression, but the die strikes doesn't have the proper
spacing for the 21 indents in-between. All in all, it is
a good representation of this variety.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece
button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and
intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 13 A-2:
History: Yes
Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
Stacks Auctions January 2003.~
Harold Cobb/Descendants 1959 to 2003.~
Cobb Purchased this from Arthur Wilson in 1959.~
Possibly from the George Servis Collection Prior Arthur
Wilson's ownership.~ |
R.J.%20Georgewashingtoninauguralbuttons.com%20WI%20B-2.jpg)
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GWI 13-B THE EAGLE WITH AN
EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Light Milk Chocolate Mixed with a Dark
Copper Tone.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 25 Leaf Pattern Punch Marks, 25
Slash Line Border
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Example,
Excellent Planchet Casting, Strong Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: If i had to pick a
button for myself this would be in the top three. The
button has been lightly cleaned in the past, but has
re-toned since. The brass planchet is solid and flat,
and shows no metal fatigue or deterioration. The surface
smooth without any pitting or harsh scratches. The Eagle
has a good outline with a nice clear impression.
Unfortunately, some of the inner feather detail of the
wings and tail have worn smooth into the surface. The
Liberty Shield still has a nice strike impression, but
unfortunately only shows the left half of the perimeter
dots. The inner horizontal dots and vertical stripes
still have a nice clear image and impression. The Laurel
Stem itself is nicely inset, and all the petals still
show clearly. Some have a weak impression, but there all
there to see. As usual with this variety, The Bundle of
Arrows lacks a clear impression for the shafts. The tips
and nock feathers only has a remnant image of its former
impression. The Estoile (6 pointed) Star/ Sun has a
clear strike, and shows all the individual long and
short rays. The center dots are still visible, but lack
a deep strike. The Stippled Ring shows a good impression
all the way around, except for the three o'clock
position. Surprisingly, most of the Leaf Pattern Punch
Marks still hold their original notched design. This is
a major factor for this variety which makes it valuable.
They are all deeply stamped, and correctly positioned
inside the Single Slash Line border. The Slash Line
Borders are all nicely struck, and correctly spaced.
There are a lot of great attributes about this button,
and would make a Gem in anyone's GW collection.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece
button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and
intact. The obverse design was struck so hard that the
design shows visibly on the reverse in raised relief.
There is no scratches or abrasions to the surface.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 13 B-2:
History: Yes
Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No |
 
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GWI 13-E THE EAGLE AN WITH
EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Dark Brownish-Green Patina.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Gilt Brass.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 25 Oblong Indents, Half Moon
Border.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Poor
Planchet Casting, Poor Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: Well if you need an
example for your collection and don't care about
condition, this would be the button for you. The surface
is corroded, pitted and porous. The Eagle is barely
outlined, and only shows remnants of it's original
design. The Liberty Shield still has an impression, and
surprisingly shows all the stripes and a few of the
dots. The Laurel Stem and it's Petals are unfortunately
worn off and corroded into the surface; along with the
Bundle of Arrows in the Eagle's other talon. The Estoile
Star still has a slight remnant image of it's original
impression, but it is barely recognizable. The Oblong
Indents still show images in some spots, but the
button's surface corrosion and decay has covered over
them. The Rare Half Moon Border is still fortunately
recognizable, but then again corrosion and deterioration
from being buried has taken its toll. I would guess this
example has been buried in or near ground water for many
years.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece
button with a soldered on loop shank. The Shank is Straight and intact. The
surface is heavily corroded and porous.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 13 E-2:
History: Yes
Recorded Sales Price: Family keepsake for his
grandchildren
Current Button Owner and Location:
~ West Virginia ~
This was Excavated by Lyle in Patterson, West
Virginia on March 29th, 2011.~
The L. Landis Collection. |
 
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GWI 13-F THE EAGLE WITH AN
EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Light Whitish-Orange Tinge.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34.25mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 20 Oblong Indents, 21 Tripple Line
Border.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Fair
Planchet Casting, Good Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: A pretty neat variation
of GWI 13 that shows a triple line crimped border.
Unfortunately, the brass planchet shows extreme metal
fatigue, and has heavy corrosion on the obverse and
reverse. The surface is no longer even and flat. The
surface shows multiple shallow depressions and a
waviness to the planchet. The button's surface has
extremely micro porosity, and has deep pits in multiple
areas. There are also scratches and abrasions throughout
the surface. Only a few parts of the Eagle's body show a
remnant outline. The wings, tail feather and left leg
has a shallow image. The rest of the inner details for
the head, body, and wing feathers are just decayed, and
worn flat into the surface. The Laurel Stem and Bundle
of Arrows don't have an image either. All the original
design impressions are either decayed or corroded over.
The Liberty Shield has a little bit of an outline, but
no longer shows any of the perimeter dots. The inner
vertical stripes and horizontal dots are also completely
worn flat. The Estoile Star is probably the strongest
design of the button. It still shows a good strike with
all of it's individual rays. The Stippled Ring around
the periphery is mostly worn flat too, but does show in
some spots. The Triple line crimped border still retains
a good image in most spots, but most of the ovals
in-between the lines are decayed into the surface. The
button is in very rough condition from bring buried in
the ground, and doesn't warrant an expensive price tag
just because of it's rarity.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece
button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is missing, and the surface
is corroded and porous.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 13 F-2:
History: Yes
Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
This was Excavated on General Grimes Family farm in
Beaufort County, North Carolina.~
SGT Striker's Civil War Trading Post of Ashland Virginia. Sold this in November 2011. |

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GWI 13-A THE EAGLE WITH AN
EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: An Exquisite Brownish-Yellow Brass with
the Hint of A Dark Golden-Orange Tone Foundation.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Stamped Design, Brass.
Size: 34mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 20-1 Notched Oblong Indents, 20
Slash Line Border.
Present Condition: A Non Excavated Example,
Strong Planchet Casting, Strong Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: This button has a nice
patina with some strong impressions. The brass planchet
is solid and flat, and shows no metal fatigue or
deterioration. The surface has a few light scratches,
but they appear to have blended in with the button's
color. The Eagle has a strong outline with a good
impression in most designs. Unfortunately, the button
lacks clear inner detail for the feathers. The Liberty
Shield shows a strong strike outline, but only shows the
perimeter dots on the left hand side. The inner
horizontal dots and vertical stripes still have a deep
impression with a good image. The Laurel Stem is
unfortunately worn smooth into the surface, and only
shows a vague image. The Bundle of Arrows also lacks a
clear image, and is barely noticeable. The Estoile
Star/Sun only shows a few ray tip impressions. The
center's circles and ray lines are worn flat into the
surface. The Stippled Ring can be seen, but does have
numerous wear spots. The Leaf Pattern Punch Marks still
show impressions, but there shape has decayed into
oblong ovals. The Slash Line Border marks are evenly
struck, but have decayed into the surface in most spots.
Overall this is still a good example with a lot of
retained attributes.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece
button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight and
intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 13 A-3:
History: Yes
Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
This was Excavated in Massachusetts in 2004.~ |
 

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GWI 13-E THE EAGLE WITH AN EIGHT POINT ESTOILE STAR
Color: A Gilt Brass with Suede Brown.
Metal: Flat, 1-Piece, Hand Engraved Design, Brass.
Size: 35mm.
Rarity: R-6
Variety Type: 24 Oblong Indents, Half Moon
Border.
Present Condition: An Excavated Example, Good
Planchet Casting, Good Impressions.
Obverse Button Analysis: Even though re-tooled,
this button is one of my favorite designs. The button is
Hand Fashioned after it was excavated, and who ever did
it i offer my Congratulations on a job extremely well
done. The brass planchet is unfortunately corroded, and
shows some micro porosity, even after it was high speed
buffed with a cloth wheel. The surface is flat and
smooth, and has a nice even color throughout. The Eagle
is still nicely etched out, and shows strong detail in
the Beak, Tail and Wing Feathers.
The Wing Feathers unfortunately do
not show the small round bead cuts which gives the Gilt
a sparkling effect when hit by candle or sunlight.
The Liberty Shield has a nice outline, but doesn't
display all the perimeter dots individuality. The inner
detail of the horizontal dots and vertical stripes have
an excellent re-tooled image. The Laurel Stem is clearly
visible, and shows a good outline of all the individual
petals. The Bundle of Arrows in the Eagle's left talon
was nicely re-brought out, which is hard to accomplish.
There is a slight altercation by of the artists
rendition of how the nock feathers should be, but the
person did a nice job re-tooling it with a texture. The
Estoile type Star is nice portrayed. Clearly shows the 9
dot center, as well as the long , short, and wavy lines.
The Stipples in the Ring around the periphery is
unfortunately muted into each other. He did do a good
job bringing the pattern back to the surface, and does
show well. The Oblong Indents are nicely shown, and
evenly spaced inside the Half Moon Borders. The Half
Moon borders show clearly etched lines, and
proportionately spaced to fit the Oblong Indents within.
Overall, this a great example and should be cherished as
a prize for this sub-variety of GWI 13.
Reverse Button Analysis: This is a flat one-piece
button with a soldered on loop shank. The shank is original, straight, and
intact.
Library Records Has Limited Information WI 13 E-3:
History: Yes
Recorded Sales Price: Yes
Current Button Owner and Location: No
Another specimen of the Eagle Estoile Type Star was
reported in 1947. This was found in a large collection
of Indian trinkets and British uniform buttons, it was
said to have been dug up from an ancient Indian burial
ground which was turned into a farm along the Cowliz
River in the State of Washington.
The first Debut of the 21 Oblong Punch-marks was shown
in the National Button Bulletin in September 1947, Then
again in January,1950.
Later David F. Johnson referred to it as, "the Notched
Edge Variety" in the magazine "Just Buttons" April 1953
issue.
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