| The picture shows a view of this Old Enameled John Hancock Crest Obsta Princpiis Lapel Stud Button. This lapel stud button is enameled in green, blue, and white on a metal that appears to be brass. It has a screw back section. After a little research we have found that this crest or coat of arms is that of the Historic American, John Hancock. A very similar crest is at the top of his memorial in Boston, Massachusetts. We do not know the year that this button was made, but it was some time between the 1890s and 1950. It may have been from a memorial event to John Hancock or a society dedicated to him, but we do not know for sure. The crest has a shield with a hand, three cocks, a griffin at the top, and the Latin motto ''Obsta Princpiis'', which according to Blacks Law Dictionary means: ''Lat. Withstand beginnings; resist the first approaches or encroachments. ''It is the duty of courts to be watchful for the constitutional rights of the citizen, and against any stealthy encroachments thereon. Their motto should be 'Obsta prineipiis.' '' Bradley, J.. Boyd v. U.S., 116 U.S. 035, 6 Sup. Ct. 535, 29 L. Ed. 746.'' The metal screwback section is marked as follows: WHITEHEAD & HOAG CO.
NEWARK, N.J. The lapel stud button measures 5/8'' wide. It appears to be in near mint to mint condition as pictured. |
