Little is known about the history of these characters but they seem to be inspired by Palmer Cox Brownies and they were used by American Pepsin Gum as giveaway buttons in 1896. Those carry the name of the maker, Whitehead & Hoag, and there are 20 (plus one variety) different standard format 7/8” celluloid buttons. The characters, at least some of them, are also known in the format offered here. These are 15/16” tin frames with a 1” stickpin on the reverse. Within the frame is a slightly convex paper either varnished for protection or with actual layer of clear celluloid. The six pieces in that format in this lot are “The Actor (moisture stain on lower left), The Soldier (first of 2 designs), The Soldier (second of 2 designs), The Drum Major (Exc.), The Sailor (without celluloid covering and with very minor surface paper rub at bottom), and the Sailor (with celluloid covering).” The seventh piece in the lot is the only example we’ve ever seen in this format. It is a 1-7/8” tall embossed thin tin star with mounted paper insert at center depicting the “Drum Major.” Long stickpin on reverse. All seven pieces are in Exc. condition with the 2 minor exceptions specified. Rare items from the very earliest days of the 1896 celluloid pinback button era. See next item Pinkies full set #1329.