Monday, November 30, 2009

Trumpeter of Sakingen

Trumpeter of Sakingen
Stamped and Pierced Brass
Cut-Outs, Shiny Steel Liner
c1880s
NBS Large


Trumpeter of Sakingen
Japanned Back


The Trumpeter of Sakingen is a common button design, but this version is not a common button. Note the cut-outs for the half moon, the city windows, and the waters of the Rhine River. It is a three part stamped, tinted, and pierced brass button, with a shiny metal liner, a japanned back, and a silver rim. I paid about six dollars, but I've seen the same button priced at fifty dollars. There is a cut-out for a full moon in an even rarer version.

This button is another great example of the link between art, design, and popular culture. You can read the detailed story of The Trumpeter of Sakingen within the text of the Legends of the Rhine by H. A. Geurber (New York: A. S. Barnes & Co, c1895) found at the Internet Archive. Section 316 through 321 is Guerber's summary of the original poem, The Trumpeter of Sakingen by Scheffel. The story was made into an opera by Nessler, which is probably the reason for this button design's wide popularity.

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Knight with Mace and Shield

Knight with Mace and Shield
c1880s
NBS Large
Tinted Stamped Brass
Three Piece Button


Knight with Mace and Shield
Japanned Back


I purchased this button knowing the knight's shield is dented. Some of my buttons I'm happy to accept with damage, if the price is right, and the damage fits the character of the button and the scene it depicts. I might expect a battle weary knight to have a dented shield.

The button is made of stamped brass. It is constructed of a front, a rim, and a japanned back. Note the scaled armor that almost makes him look like a Roman soldier, rather than a medieval knight, but the mace and the decorated shield place him in a later time.

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Medieval Collection II

Medieval Theme Picture Buttons
c1880s

Look forward to these buttons and more, in upcoming posts. This is a "working" card of buttons, not a permanent display, the shanks poked through archival card stock. Some of my favorites include the King Arthur buttons, the Walking Man, the Dragon, the Fabulous Creatures, the Trumpeter of Sankingens, the Castles, the Scottish Chiefs, the Crusader Knight, the Jester, the Medieval Villages - I believe I've named them all! If you click on the image, you will see them in greater detail.

In future posts, they will be featured individually, with sharper focus and a photograph of their button backs. If you click on the label, Medieval Theme, below this post, you will view amazing buttons of Knights, Ladies, Minstrels, and Fabulous Creatures.

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button