This is an authentic lot of three vintage labor union celluloid pinback buttons from the Butler Building Trades Council, affiliated with the American Federation of Labor (A.F. of L.). These quarterly dues buttons were worn by union tradesmen in Butler, Pennsylvania, to prove their active membership standing on the job site. The lot covers consecutive periods spanning late 1951 through late 1952.
Each button measures approximately 7/8 inch in diameter and features a crisp Bastian Bros. Co. manufacturer stamp on the back rim. The three buttons included are:
- Red Button: Oct-Nov-Dec 1951
- White/Silver Button: Jan-Feb-Mar 1952
Basic Technical Assessment
- Organization: Butler Building Trades Council (A.F. of L.)
- Type: Quarterly Membership Dues Pinback Buttons
- Quantity: 3 unique buttons
- Size: 7/8 inch diameter each
- Manufacturer: Bastian Bros. Co., Rochester, N.Y. (Stamped on collet rims)
- Functional Condition: All three pins retain their original, working wire back pins. The metal backings show standard, heavy antique oxidation but remain completely stable.
- Cosmetic Condition: Good vintage condition. The text and official Allied Printing Trades union bug logos on the front remain perfectly legible. The celluloid covers show light surface scuffs and typical aging/yellowing on the 1952 white button, but they maintain excellent historical character.
selling as pictured 080426gp