Brandywine Park 'Button Day' Celluloid Pinback, c. 1910s

Story

In the early 1900s, 'Button Days' were massive civic fundraisers where citizens bought numbered pins to support local parks. This specific pin, number 46886, was a tiny ticket to a grand day of Victorian-era leisure in Wilmington.

Maker / Origin

While the specific maker isn't visible, these were typically produced by firms like Whitehead & Hoag, who pioneered the use of celluloid—the world's first semi-synthetic plastic—to create affordable, wearable advertisements.

Condition & Value

The pin shows significant foxing and moisture staining (the brown spots), which is common for celluloid of this age. The surface remains intact without 'crazing' or cracking, though the staining reduces the value by about 40%. Regional ephemera like this depends on local interest.