Agate coat button
Label Text
This agate stud-backed button with a silver boss was among a larger set owned by George Washington. Originally numbering a dozen or more, the semi-opaque hemisphere of precious stone offered a unique embellishment to one of his formal coats. The white and brown striations in the stone would have offered a sharp visual contrast and compliment to the black velvet suits he often wore during his presidential years.
See also buttons, W-2343/A-D and W-2344/A&B, and gold brooch, W-2777.
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Date1755-1795
Geography
Probably made -
England
Medium/TechniqueAgate, silver
DimensionsOverall: 11/16 in. x 1 1/4 in. x 1 1/4 in. (1.75 cm x 3.18 cm x 3.18 cm)
Credit LineGift of John Pierpont Morgan, 1938
Object numberW-943
DescriptionAgate button with silver boss at center; polished domed face on the obverse; flat surface on the reverse; silver loop shank projecting from the rear.Published ReferencesMary Custis Lee, Appraisement of Estate of Mary Custis Lee, probated 21 February 1920, proved 29 March 1920, unowned manuscripts, U.S. District Court, Washington, D.C.
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