A Souvenir Brass Button, 1789 At his inauguration, George Washington wore a suit of plain American fabric, adorned with custom-made buttons engraved with eagles. Similar souvenir buttons, in a variety of sizes, metals, and designs, quickly flooded the market. All carried the same refrain, “Long Live the President,” a twist on the traditional British cheer welcoming a new king to his throne.

The Granger Collection, New York.