I recently purchased a vintage button collection which includes many
(clothing) buttons of various sizes, ages and styles with the Latin
motto "Spes Nostra Es Deus" around the edge. I am pretty sure that
translates to "God Is Our Hope". The emblem in the center of each
button could either be a pineapple-looking thing with three branches
at top and big fronds at the sides, OR a weird looking bird! The sizes
range from about 1/2" wide to about 2". Button shanks are wire loops
or old-fashioned "hump shanks". My question is: what organization is
associated with this motto, and would've put it on buttons? Any
identification would be greatly appreciated!

Hello bethidee,

Thanks for using GA. A very tricky question from your side. 

After searching a lot of sites, the only source I am able to find out
on this info, is available on one of the groups in Google.

Check this group here.
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&threadm=A9DT6.820%24LC.7779%40newsfeed.slurp.net&rnum=1&prev=/groups%3Fq%3Dlatin%2Bmotto%2BSpes%2BNostra%2BEs%2BDeus%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26selm%3DA9DT6.820%2524LC.7779%2540newsfeed.slurp.net%26rnum%3D1

There is one more link but that is related to the Latin motto.
Here is the link. 
http://groups.google.com/groups?q=%22Spes+Nostra+Es+Deus%22&hl=en&lr=&selm=7vaj4h%24p9d%241%40nntp8.atl.mindspring.net&rnum=1

If I find any thing more on this, I'll let you know. 
I hope this satisfies your question.
Let me know if you need any clarification and make sure you rate my
answer, only when you are satisfied.

Search Strategy:

In Google Groups:
"Spes Nostra Es Deus":
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&q=%22Spes+Nostra+Es+Deus%22&btnG=Google+Search

latin motto Spes Nostra Es Deus:
http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&cat=&q=latin+motto+Spes+Nostra+Es+Deus&sa=N&tab=dg

Happy Searching !!!

Regards
netcrazy

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Clarification of Answer by netcrazy-ga on 13 Jun 2002 08:01 PDT

I think thx1138-ga is talking about this enlarged iamge.
http://www.oz.net/~lisam/MetaMetal/MetaAlbum/Other/SpesNostraEsDevs.htm

Thanks.

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Clarification of Answer by netcrazy-ga on 13 Jun 2002 08:17 PDT

Hi,

Here is one more link about this button. It has some additional info.
http://www2.tsixroads.com/~virrob/whatisit.html

Thanks

I think this picture is the button you are looking for. (top right
item)
http://www.oz.net/~lisam/MetaNew/Meta8_19_00.htm

Unfortunately I couldnīt open the description next to it, maybe you
will have more luck.

Another nice picture of this button, and some speculation about its
origin, can be found here:

http://www2.tsixroads.com/~virrob/whatisit.html