PHILADELPHIA AREA HIGH SCHOOL CLASS GRADUATION BUTTON.
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Winning Bid:
$601.50 (Includes 15% Buyer's Premium)
Bids:
12
Bidding Ended:
Thursday, January 21, 2010 12:00:00 PM (20 Minute Clock Begins At Thursday, January 21, 2010 12:00:00 PM)
Time Left:
Ended
Auction:
Auction #199 - Part II
Item numbers 973 through 2378 in auction 199
Value Code:
F/G - $75 to $200 Help Icon
Item Description
Beginning in the 1930s, Philadelphia area high schools had a tradition of producing a button for the graduating class. In many cases, the graduating student artist produced an unauthorized image of some particular well-known comic character. This button is in that tradition although we don’t know if the woman seated in brief outfit with fishnet gloves and stockings is supposed to represent a particular character or not. The button is dated “Jan. ’55.” The initials “CHS” stand for Central High School. The number “203” stands for the number of the graduating class (sometimes there were 2 graduating classes per year) and in fact in 2013 this school will graduate its 272nd class. Button has single dark pinpoint upper right and a couple of tiny air dots under the celluloid showing only in reflected light. As with most in this series, maker’s name on the curl is “Phila. Badge Co.” The name “Murrie Gayman” also appears. He was the artist for this button and went onto a career in art which included interior design as well as the creator of murals produced on weathered wood for his business known as “Barnwood Murals.” Only example we’ve seen. See following similar item.
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