Interesting Buttons

Lately I’ve acquired some interesting buttons you might
like to look at.  I like to wonder what clothing they were on–
a pretty suit?  a man’s waistcoat?  a pink wool coat?

Let’s start with my favorite—oh, that’s not nice–I mean one of
my favorites:

 

 

 

 

 

 

This large beauty like a bow–would have been a knockout on a
swirly pink felt short coat . . .isn’t it wild?

The next interesting button has some age to it–is all metal with
two escutcheon additions.  There is the basic brass lobed flower
as a base, then enameled blue flower petals and a red “gem” for
the center.  I love the early blue color.  The back is plain.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next is a half-inch cameo button with a profile of ?? and rimmed
with brass.  I think the type of shell is “queen’s shell” and the figure
might be Egyptian or classical.  What do you think?  There is an
interesting backmark–partly illegible –of crossed swords and then,
clearly “BRITISH MAKE”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And in the same frame of mind—no identification–I lead you to
a find I call “Who He?”—a heavy button–plain back–profile under
a covering of plastic? celluloid?  For a minute, I couldn’t find the
button and called it “Where He?” but now I have it . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a dear little mess of early china buttons–white china
with dark blue rims, THREE HOLES, largest one is only 5/16″.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last, but not least!  is a blue stone cabachon button.  It’s
an inch and a half long and is seated on a rusty brass plate,
a little loose.  Not only is it terrific on its own right, but—-
has an interesting reverse—-a rowboat with oars!  See them?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And if you like surprises when you flip over a button, check out my
Wellington buttons which look innocently plain on the front–but
have beautiful engravings on the back.  Just type “Wellington buttons”
in the search box at the top of this post.

Hope you enjoyed the little tour.  How is your button collection coming
along?