Hydroplane Racing Appraisal

Vintage 'Miss Exide' Unlimited Hydroplane Advertising Pinback Button

This item is a vintage circular pinback button, likely made from celluloid or a similar plastic material over a metal base, featuring advertising for 'Miss Exide' and Exide Batteries. The button has a white background with a central blue diamond-shaped graphic element. Within this blue diamond, a stylized illustration of an orange and black unlimited hydroplane boat is depicted, with 'Miss Exide' written above it in an elegant script font, and 'U-7S' visible on the side of the boat. Below the boat, the words 'UNLIMITED HYDROPLANE' are printed, and a small graphic of an 'Exide BATTERIES' battery box is shown. The boat design features a checkered flag pattern on its tail fin. The button measures approximately 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter, based on common pinback sizes. The overall condition shows some wear consistent with age, notably a prominent brown discoloration or staining on the right-hand side of the button, which encroaches onto the white border and slightly into the blue diamond background. There may be some minor surface scratching or faint scuffs not clearly visible in the provided image. The colors, while possibly faded over time, retain a good level of vibrancy for a vintage item. This piece likely dates from the mid-20th century, possibly the 1960s or 1970s, aligning with the heyday of unlimited hydroplane racing and specific sponsorships. It represents a common form of promotional advertising during that era, crafted for distribution at events or as merchandise for brand loyalty. The graphics are clear and well-printed, suggesting good quality for a promotional item of its type.