Coat button

Image Not Available

Status

Not on view

Label Text

George Washington's inauguration as the first president of the United States inspired enterprising craftsman to issue commemorative buttons with patriotic designs. This coat button is stamped with the eagle and shield of the Great Seal of the United States below a radiant sun. The surrounding motto, "Memorable Era March the Fourth 1789" refers to the date that was originally set for the commencement of the new government under the Constitution. In fact, Washington did not take the oath of office until April 30, 1789.

Read MoreRead Less

Datec. 1789

Geography Made - United States

Medium/TechniqueBrass

DimensionsOverall: 1/8 in. x 1 3/8 in. x 1 3/8 in. (0.33 cm x 3.51 cm x 3.51 cm)

Credit LineGift of Elizabeth Montgomery Sharpe, 1907

Object numberM-1218

DescriptionCircular brass button; stamped design with an eagle displayed, bearing the arms of the United States, at center, a rayed sun above, and the legend, "Memorable Era March the Fourth 1789" encircling; plain edge; blank reverse with double pointed pin soldered to center.
Published ReferencesJames C. Rees, Treasures from Mount Vernon: George Washington Revealed (Mount Vernon, Virginia: Mount Vernon Ladies Association, 1999), 112.

J. Harold Cobb, George Washington Inaugral Buttons and Medalets ed. Kirk Mitchell and Elmer A. Piercy (Private printing, 2005), 18. http://moscow2.pld.com/kirk/CobbGW/index.html
(general reference)

Russell Rulau and George Fuld, Medallic Portraits of Washington (Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications, Inc., 1999), 245. (general reference)

Edmund B. Sullivan, American Politic Badges and Medalets (Lawrence, Massachusetts: Quarterman Publications, Inc., 1981), 1. (general reference)

Alphaeus Albert, Washington Historical Buttons (Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1949), 42. (general reference)

Mount Vernon's object research is ongoing and information about this object is subject to change. For information on image use and reproductions, click here.