TAFT GORGEOUS VERTICAL OVAL BUTTON ISSUED FOR "THE GUNNISON TUNNEL OPENING/MONTROSE, COLO."
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Winning Bid:
$287.50 (Includes 15% Buyer's Premium)
Bids:
1
Bidding Ended:
Wednesday, March 25, 2009 2:00:00 AM (20 Minute Clock Begins At Wednesday, March 25, 2009 2:00:00 AM)
Time Left:
Ended
Auction:
Auction #197 - Part I
Item numbers 1 through 991 in auction 197
Value Code:
I - $400 to $700 Help Icon
Item Description
Unlisted in Hake. 1.5" tall with tin reverse holding vertical bar pin. Beautiful color with scenes of eagle and shield accented by flags, circular Taft photo and interior view of a tunnel with a bed of railroad ties and track. The only defect is a near invisible 1/16" long very shallow split in the celluloid surface on the extreme top edge above the letters "GU." The button still displays Mint and is rare. The tunnel was intended for irrigation purposes and built between 1905 and 1909. At the time, it was the longest such tunnel in the world and it opened in 1909 with much fanfare and its dedication ceremony was attended by Taft.
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