Patriotic Buttons Archives - 15 Stars Fine Aged Bourbon

Patriotic Buttons

This collection of buttons represents Kentucky and early America during the time of early Kentucky statehood. Designed and produced by some of the greatest craftsmen of the era, these buttons are remnants of a time of great patriotism. The spirit and dedication of these early American designers and craftsmen inspires us today as we craft our fine aged bourbons.

15 Star Washington Button

This extremely rare 15 star George Washington inauguration button celebrates Kentucky and the growing nation.

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15 Star Washington Button

This extremely rare 15 star George Washington inauguration button celebrates Kentucky and the growing nation.

This rare button is inscribed with “Long Live the President” around the outside, with a circle of fifteen stars inside the inscription representing the 15 states of the United States. Kentucky is represented as the 15th star for its position as the 15th state. This was likely issued to coincide with Washington’s second inauguration in 1793 after Kentucky became a state and ratified the constitution. This is a prohibitively rare 15 star inauguration button at 20 mm in diameter. This “Fifteen Star Pattern” button is extremely rare, being one of less than a dozen known examples of this variety still surviving.

Eagle and Estoile Star Button

This fine, mint State George Washington inaugural button is from Washington’s first inauguration as President of the United States.

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Eagle and Estoile Star Button

This fine, mint State George Washington inaugural button is from Washington’s first inauguration as President of the United States.

During the time the statehood of Kentucky was being established, George Washington was President of the United States, and the process of establishing new states was within his oversight. Additionally, Washington was a distiller and was deeply involved in setting up the taxation of distilled spirits to pay the debts of the new nation. Washington also played a role in trying to modify the regulations to calm the farm distilling community regarding taxation, and he was forced to deal with the Whiskey Rebellion when it later ensued.

This button was produced for Washington’s first inauguration in 1789. It is an extremely rare item in unimprovable Mint State condition, with a diameter of 35 mm. This variety contains the eagle and shield, holding an olive branch and three arrows, with an estoile star above, and has 63 incuse dots or indentations forming the outer border. It is believed that George Washington’s inaugural suit of brown cloth, from the Hartford Manufactory, was adorned with gilt buttons decorated with an eagle by engraver William Rollinson, but there is no verifiable connection to this particular button. Certainly, this is the work of a talented artisan engraver as the details are exquisite. This inaugural button may be in the finest condition of any of its type still surviving.

Long Live the President Button

Robert Livingston’s salute after he administered the oath of office to George Washington on April 30, 1789 proclaimed, “Long Live the President.”

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Love Live the President Button

Robert Livingston’s salute after he administered the oath of office to George Washington on April 30, 1789 proclaimed, “Long Live the President.”

This fine George Washington inauguration button was produced for Washington’s first inauguration in 1789. Known as the “Dotted Script” inaugural button, it is 35mm in diameter and crafted in brass. The wording “Long Live The President” surrounds the button with the dotted initial “GW” at center, and a single star surrounded by 12 others signifies the 13 initial states that had ratified the constitution.

Appropriately, the salute by Robert Livingston after he administered the oath of office to George Washington on April 30, 1789 proclaimed “Long Live the President”. Washington was president during the period when Kentucky was being considered for statehood and as President, he was deeply involved in that process. This rare button is in excellent condition with very little wear, and is one of less than 25 of this type which still survive.

Memorable Era Button

This scarce button from 1789 was produced for George Washington’s first inauguration and called out the “Memorable Era” that had begun.

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Memorable Era Button

This scarce button from 1789 was produced for George Washington’s first inauguration and called out the “Memorable Era” that had begun.

This George Washington inaugural button was produced for the date initially scheduled for his inauguration. Washington was actually inaugurated on April 30, 1789 at Federal Hall in NYC. Washington was president during the period when Kentucky was being considered for statehood, and as President, he was deeply involved in that process.

This choice button is inscribed “March the Fourth 1789 – Memorable Era” It is 34mm in diameter and made of gilt brass. An especially fine example of this key Washington inaugural button, sharply struck with practically no wear and a pleasing patina, it is one of fifty of this style of button still surviving.

US Diplomat Button

In 1795, the same time the 15 star flag became the flag of the United States, this button used by US diplomats and designed by Robert Scot, was produced.

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US Diplomat Button

In 1795, the same time the 15 star flag became the flag of the United States, this button used by US diplomats and designed by Robert Scot, was produced.

This diplomatic service button from 1795 was designed by Robert Scot who was also the first chief engraver for the US mint. The eagle design here is the same design as on the reverse of the 1795 gold coinage of the United States and designed by Scot, which also had 15 stars representing the first 15 states, with Kentucky being the 15th. The eagle displayed on this button is shown standing on a palm branch with a victorious laurel wreath in its beak with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the outer edge. This rare early diplomatic service button still shows some gold gilt. Robert Scot designed and engraved many images that became early symbols of the United States during those years when the 15 star flag was the official flag of the US.

15 Star Legion Button

This button, from the time of early Kentucky statehood, was worn by a member of the Legion of the United States and found in Frankfort, Kentucky.

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15 Star Legion Button

This button, from the time of early Kentucky statehood, was worn by a member of the Legion of the United States and found in Frankfort, Kentucky.

This pewter coat button was worn by a member of the Legion. The button displays the federal eagle with arrows and an olive branch, along with 15 stars representing the number of states at the time. These buttons are extremely rare in good condition, and even rarer, this button was dug near a period home in Frankfort, Kentucky.

16 Star Legion Button

This c. 1796 button was worn by a member of the Legion of the United States after Tennessee became a state.

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16 Star Legion Button

This c. 1796 button was worn by a member of the Legion of the United States after Tennessee became a state.

The Legion of the United States, sometimes known as Wayne’s Legion, was a reorganization and extension of the old Continental Army from 1792 to 1796 under the command of Major General Anthony Wayne. The Legion was primarily formed in reaction to multiple defeats in the Northwest Territories in 1790 and 1791, and to assert sovereignty over US borders in the western territories. This pewter coat button was worn by a member of the Legion at some point after Tennessee had become a state. The button displays the federal eagle with arrows and an olive branch, along with 16 stars representing the number of states at the time. These buttons are extremely rare in good condition.

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