Metal Buttons Information and Price Guide - Buttons Forever

Silver Buttons

B F Admin — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 12:15:53 +0000

Silver buttons were often popular in Georgian and Victorian times. They were often made for gentlemen and supplied in dress sets. They would often be worn in field sports and some depict horses and other animals associated with the field. The Edwardian era saw a fashion called Art Nouveau and silver buttons of this era would often depict flourishing, naturalistic lines and ladies with flowing garments.

Below are some examples of silver buttons including a set of 12 Georgian silver field buttons and some late Victorian buttons by Levi & Salaman. These have pictorial designs of Ancient Greek figures which show the resurgence of classical art during this period.

A SET OF TWELVE GEORGIAN SILVER FIELD BUTTONS Each circular button engraved with a ship and headland beneath the inscription ‘Wormshead Hunt 1794 Try’, hallmarked London 1794, maker’s mark WS, gross weight approximately 44g, fitted case Jenner & Knewstub

Sold for GBP 1,500 at Christie’s in 2020

A set of five ancient Chinese silver coin buttons

Sold for US$1,000 at Asian Antique Group in 2022

Six 19th Century silver buttons engraved with three varying depictions of horse and rider. Maker I. S. Approx. 1 1/4″ diameter

Sold for £280 at Claydon Auctioneers Ltd in 2022

A SET OF LATE VICTORIAN SILVER BUTTONS, by Levi & Salaman, Birmingham 1899 (one 1900), cased, each chased with the head of an ancient Greek figure. Larger 2.5cm wide, smaller 1.5cm wide

Sold for £280 at Elstob & Elstob in 2022

Set of Twenty-Four George III Silver Buttons, London Circa 1785 with 12 coat buttons and 12 cuff buttons, engraved with fox hunting scenes: 6 coat buttons engraved with a huntsman blowing his horn, 6 engraved with a huntsman trotting behind three hounds; 6 of the sleeve buttons engraved with a galloping rider and hound, 6 with a rider jumping a fence, each marked with maker, lion passant, and incuse duty mark for 1784-5

Diameters 1 1/8 in., 3/4 in.

3 cm, 2 cm

Sold for 8,190 USD at Sotheby’s in 2022

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Guilloche Buttons

B F Admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 07:50:51 +0000

Guilloche Buttons. Guilloche is a technique which involves engine turning on metal, leaving circular patterns. It is then usually covered with colored enamel. Guilloche is highly collectible and can be extremely beautiful. Condition plays an important part in the value of items as it is costly to repair.

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Below are some examples and price guides of guilloche buttons including a set of late 18th century guilloche and paste buttons and a set of Russian blue buttons.

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Gold Buttons

B F Admin — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 10:37:09 +0000

Gold Buttons have been worn since the times of the Romans and Ancient Greeks. In later years gold was often used to mount precious gemstones and this can be seen on some button as well.

Below are some examples and price guides of gold buttons including some 18k gold buttons by Shreve & Co and an antique set of gold mounted cameo buttons.

SHREVE & CO.: A SET OF 18K GOLD BUTTONS
The four scallop-edged buttons with engine-turned finish, one signed Shreve & Co. Italy, diameters 1/2 in.

Sold for US$573.75 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022

Tiffany & Co. Three Gold and Seed Pearl Buttons
18 kt., 3 pearls ap. 3.8 mm., signed Tiffany & Co., ap. 1.8 dwts. With signed fitted box.

Sold for $252 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2023

Antique Gold Cameo Button Set 4pc

Gemstone : Cameo
Measurements : Each button is 16mm in diameter
Marked: : Tested gold
Weight: 12.4 grams

With original box.

Sold for US$450 at Farber Auctioneers in 2023

AN ANTIQUE LAPIS LAZULI AND DIAMOND CUFFLINKS AND BUTTON DRESS SET in 18ct yellow gold and platinum, comprising six buttons and a pair of cufflinks, each set with a piece of polished lapis lazuli, accented by diamonds, in a fitted presentation case, stamped PT & 18CT, button face 1.0cm, 12.8g.

Sold for £1,300 at Elmwood’s in 2022

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Enamel Buttons

B F Admin — Sun, 18 Jul 2021 08:52:58 +0000

Enamel buttons are extremely beautiful and decorative. The enamel can be on precious metal, glass or non precious metals. Obviously the higher value ones are on precious metal and are often mixed with gemstones.

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Below are some examples and price guides of enamel buttons including a set of rock crystal and enamel buttons and a set of late 18th century enamel and paste buttons.

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