Prior to the completion of the current U.S. Capitol Building in the year 1800, a dozen buildings served as the seat of our Colonial and National governing bodies, hosting the Continental Congress, the Congress of the Confederation and the United States Congress. These historic buildings are or were located in cities where the United States was collectively founded and shaped by the creation, ratification and signing of documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. 

Presented are (8) different Capitol Building buttons produced by Henry G. Wessel. Dating from the 1950s-1960s, these fairly scarce 1-1/4" diameter buttons are fashioned with crystal covers on the front, similar to watch crystals, which is why they are referred to as "watch crystal buttons". Beneath the crystals are illustrated images of various former capitol buildings. The backs are shank type with hoops and they all bear Wessel's initial style hallmark. Rimmed with copper bezels, these nicely preserved commemoratives report in excellent condition overall, with patina on the bezels being the only notable sign of age/wear. 

Featured buildings are: Independence Hall, Philadelphia; Henry Fite House, Baltimore; Lancaster Court House; York Court House; Nassau Hall, Princeton; Maryland State House, Annapolis; French Arms Tavern, Trenton; and Federal Hall, New York.