Button

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Label Text

Enterprising craftsmen promoted the popularity of the president of the United States by issuing commemorative clothing buttons with patriotic designs. This example celebrated both George Washington and the young nation's expansion. It features the salute "Long Live the President" around a ring of stars representing the fifteen states. Congress resolved to admit Kentucky as the fifteenth state to the union in 1791.

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Datec. 1791-1796

Geography Made - United States

Medium/TechniqueCopper alloy

DimensionsOverall: 5/16 in. x 5/8 in. x 5/8 in. (0.79 cm x 1.6 cm x 1.6 cm)

Credit LinePurchased by the A. Alfred Taubman Acquisition Endowment Fund, 2004 Conservation courtesy of the Life Guard Society of Historic Mount Vernon

Object numberM-4371

DescriptionCircular copper alloy button; stamped with the motto "LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENT" around the outer edge encircling a ring of fifteen six-pointed stars; plain edge; plain reverse with brazed alpha shank.
Published ReferencesJ. Harold Cobb, George Washington Inaugural Buttond and Medalets ed. Kirk Mitchell and Elmer A. Piercy (Private printing, 2005), 21. http://moscow2.pld.com/kirk/CobbGW/index.html
(general reference)

Alphaeus Albert, Washington Historical Buttons (Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1949), 44. (general reference)

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