Figural buttons come in many shapes such as animals and nursery rhyme characters. They are very collectible and some can be very valuable.
[cfgeo include=”GB”][/cfgeo]
[cfgeo exclude=”GB”][/cfgeo]
Below are some examples and price guides of figural buttons including a set of gold, garnet and enamel buttons and a Mickey Mouse collectors button.
Toggle in the shape of a falcon attacking a swan Period: Liao dynasty (907–1125) Date: 10th–11th century Culture: China
Reference: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
FIVE 14K YELLOW GOLD, GARNET, AND ENAMELED FIGURAL BUTTONS LATE 19TH/20TH CENTURY Indistinctly marked 5/8 in. (2 cm.) diameter, each
Sold for USD 1,375 at Christie’s in 2016
A pierced 19th C. silver and enamel figural button from China. This example depicts a Chinese man slaying a Dragon which you can see below the figure. Enameled on silver in beautiful hues of blue and an overall beautiful button.
Sold for $375 at Lion and Unicorn in 2021
“LLOYDS THEATRE MICKEY MOUSE CLUB MEMBER” BUTTON WITH CELLULOID CHARM. 1″ dia. cello “Member” button for the Lloyds Theatre Mickey Mouse Club. 1930s. Bottom of button has attached figural Mickey Mouse plaster-filled celluloid charm that has raised “Japan” text on reverse. Charm was likely added by original owner and hangs from original cord. Button has even lt. aging and has some lt. scratches, but most of these are only visible in reflected light. VF overall.
Sold for $159 at Hake’s Auction in 2019