Our original design features text from George Washington's first inauguration along with decorative buttons created to celebrate the event.
Designed, decorated, and fired in America on porcelain made in Europe. The glazing and decoration is done in a way that makes the images of the metal buttons feel different than the smooth glazing of the rest of the tray.
This is the excerpt from Washington's first inaugural that is printed on the tray:
"The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as deeply, as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.”
Includes a small sheet with more information on the history of the buttons.
We designed these and have had them made to our specifications. They are only available here—they aren't even available at Mount Vernon.
We also have an original inaugural button available for purchase in our Rare Finds.
Size: 12" x 6" x 1" high (at the highest point).
Care: Handwash using a non-abrasive sponge and soapy water.
- Mount Vernon’s article on some of the designs.
- Extensive information on many of the designs, including who designed them and the symbolism, from a dedicated collector at GeorgeWashingtonInauguralButto .
- A 27-page paper that updates a 1963 private printing of an exhaustive work by collector Harold Cobb.