Front view of a small yellow button with black lettering.
Name/Title
N.Y. Hydraulic-Press Brick Co. pin-back button
Description
Small yellow pin-back button with black lettering denoting the N.Y. Hydraulic-Press Brick Co., and a paper label in the back of the pin denoting its manufacturer.
Use
Promotional object, used for the purpose of advertising the N.Y. Hydraulic-Press Brick Co., to commemorate an event, or to show appreciation to employees of the company.
Collection
Promotional object displays
Made/Created
Manufacturer
The Whitehead & Hoag Co.
Time Period
19th Century, 20th Century
Place
* Untyped Place
New Jersey
Notes
This pin can be dated to any time directly after 1896, after the pin-back button was introduced to the public by Whitehead & Hoag Co.
Lexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Tertiary Object Term
Pin, Occupational
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
Pin, Insignia
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
Insignia
Nomenclature Sub-Class
Status Symbols
Nomenclature Class
Personal Symbols
Nomenclature Category
Category 08: Communication Objects
Getty AAT
Concept
metal
Dimensions
Diameter
2.2 cm
Parts
Count
1
Parts
Pin
Materials
Material
Metal, Paper
Material Notes
The yellow face of the pin appears to be some kind of plastic, while the label in the back appears to be paper.
Color
Tan, Yellow
Condition
Overall Condition
Very Good
Condition Type
Tarnish
Date Examined
Jul 17, 2026
Examined By
Elena Marshall
Surface
The surface of the metal is darkened/tarnished, but not obviously rusted.
Whitehead and Hoag Co. was founded in 1892 by Chester R. Hoag and Benjamin S. Whitehead, where they manufactured ribbon badges and medals, and eventually introduced the pin-back button in 1896 (which they held the patent for).
