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1789, George Washington Inaugural Button

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Washington Buttons

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George Washington Inaugural Button "Long Live the President" Chain of States

(1789), George Washington Inaugural Button, "Long Live The President" with Chain of States Type, Albert WI-4A, Unlisted Variety, About Extremely Fine.
Rarity-6; 34 mm. One of the most interesting of the Washington Inaugural Buttons is this type with a chain forming the outer border, each of the 13 links of having an abbreviation for one of the original 13 states. The cursive initials "G W" appear in the center, surrounded by the inscription, "Long Live The President." Only this inscription is raised up; the rest of the design and lettering is all incuse. In this variety, the space around the inscription has a plain background (without pebble pattern). Of 6 pieces examined, only 2 had this plain background, suggesting that this is the rarer variety. There is some wear on the word "President" and on the lower right chain links. The shank is missing on the back. An example of this button in choice condition sold in the Stack's January 21, 2003 sale for $7,250 (hammer price). An Extremely Fine example sold in the Heritage Sale of June 2005 for $3737.



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