Once Upon A Button

Sir Launfal's Dream: Seated Knight with a Lance and Shield

2010-08-20T23:28:00.009-04:00

Sir Launfal's Dream
Seated Knight with Lance
Stamped and Tinted Brass
Japanned Back
NBS Small, 5/8"
c1880s

Sir Launfal's Dream - Back

When I purchased this button, the dealer described it as Sir Renfel's Dream. I've since learned the button is correctly known as Sir Launfal's Dream after a collection of poems and a specific poem by James Russell Lowell titled The Vision of Sir Launfal, written by Lowell in 1848.

The Internet Archive describes it as "a narrative poem about a proud medieval knight who spends his life seeking abroad for the Holy Grail in vain, only to find it at home when he humbly gives a crust of bread and cup of water to a leper." The Archive contains several editions of the poetry collection, with differing introductions about Lowell and his work.

This is an NBS small, two part picture button, made of stamped and tinted brass. The name of the button, alone, is intriguing, but the image of the dreaming knight, seated before the castle walls, fully armored right down to his spurs, his shield emblazoned with a star and a moon, clutching his lance in the crook of his arm, makes me glad I found his story. This button's detail is not sharp, but the image is evocative.

You can read the text of the poem and see engraved illustrations from an early edition by clicking on this link: The Vision of Sir Launfal.

Here's a wonderful excerpt from the text of the poem, which is a great companion to the design of the button:

"My golden spurs now bring to me,
And bring to me my richest mail,
For to-morrow I go over land and sea
In search of the Holy Grail;
Shall never a bed for me be spread,
Nor shall a pillow be under my head,
Till I begin my vow to keep;
Here on the rushes will I sleep,
And perchance there may come a vision true
Ere day create the world anew."
Slowly Sir Launfal's eyes grew dim,
Slumber fell like a cloud on him,
And into his soul the vision flew.

Image and Text © 2010 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

Button Identification

2010-07-14T12:42:00.007-04:00

I've gotten a handful of requests through my e-mail asking me for help in identifying buttons. If I know anything specific, I'm happy to answer, but the sources I've been recommending are the National Button Society, and the California State Button Society's Facebook Page. I have links to both of these sites on my sidebar. Increasingly, Facebook has become a rewarding place for button collectors to meet and to share their love of buttons.

I've also received requests about the value of specific buttons. Value is subjective and I'm not an expert. An easy way to get some idea of the value of specific buttons is to check for the selling price of similar buttons on E-bay; though you have to keep in mind that some buttons sell for more than they are worth, due to buyer "frenzy." I've seen common buttons go for exorbitant prices, and valuable buttons sell for an astonishingly small price when no one else countered a beginning bid.

Buttons in poor condition have very little value, other than sentimental value for the owner, including the pleasure of discovery and the button's historical significance. Also, beginning collectors or speculators should keep in mind, that buttons should never be cleaned, or they should be cleaned with great caution and an understanding of the button's materials. When you overclean, you either destroy the materials, remove the original finish, or alter the attractive patina of age. Other than a light buffing, it's almost always better to leave a button alone. And never remove a shank!

I've said it numerous times, but it's true: I plan to update my site soon! I'll be sharing more buttons with a medieval theme including dragons and castles, more art nouveau women, mythology buttons, fairy tales, fables, children, birds, black glass, pewter, and vegetable ivory. As soon as I can photograph "him," up next is a depiction of a well known celtic warrior, a national hero of France, rarely identified correctly in America. I own the button in two sizes with two different finishes, highly detailed, purchased years apart, and both in perfect condition.

Image and Text © 2010 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

Please note: Since this is an information site, I generally don't publish comments, or link to sites, that advertise items for sale.

King Arthur with a Triple Bar Shank

2009-12-17T10:48:00.010-05:00

King Arthur
Brass Picture Button
A P & Cie Paris
NBS Large
c1880s

King Arthur

Button Back

This King Arthur is a one piece solid brass picture button with a triple bar shank, backmarked A P & Cie Depose Paris. Impressive!

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

Trumpeter of Sakingen - High Relief

2009-12-01T17:54:00.001-05:00

Trumpeter of Sakingen

Brass and Tinted White Metal

Circa 1880s

NBS Large

Trumpeter of Sakingen

Japanned Back

This Trumpeter of Sakingen picture button is atypical. See the Trumpeter of Sakingen below for another rare example, and for a link to the trumpeter's story. The front of this Trumpeter of Sakingen is a brass escutcheon mounted on a tinted white metal background. With his high boots and dashing plumed hat, Werner, the trumpeter, plays for the lovely Margaretha, and calls her to the window.

Trumpeter of Sakingen

2009-11-30T10:05:00.010-05:00

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.

Knight with Mace and Shield

2009-11-17T14:29:00.009-05:00

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.

Medieval Collection II

2009-11-12T14:27:00.019-05:00

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

Love's Messenger

2009-10-22T08:31:00.014-04:00

Love's Messenger

Bird Delivering a Letter

to a Woman at a Window

Textured Background

NBS Large

Stamped and Pierced Brass

c1880s

Love's Messenger

Button Back

This wonderful button depicts a woman at a window receiving a letter from a swallow. The button is made of stamped and pierced brass with a textured background. The brass is tinted black to create a nighttime scene. Notice the ornate window frame, the city rooftops and the clouds. I owe the title of this button and additional information to a member of the National Button Society, who looked the button up for me in the Big Book of Buttons. Thank you, Janelle!

Two King Arthur Buttons with Cut Steels

2009-10-10T16:34:00.010-04:00

King Arthur

Knight with Shield and Sword

Stamped and Pierced Brass

Cut Steels in 4 Sizes

NBS Large

c1880s

King Arthur - Button Back

King Arthur
Knight with Shield and Sword
Stamped and Pierced Brass
Cut Steel Border
NBS Large
C1880s

King Arthur - Button Back

Two King Arthurs
Stamped and Pierced Brass
Fancy Borders
One with 4 Sizes of Cut Steels
One with Same Size Cut Steels

Two King Arthurs - Button Backs

These two buttons demonstrate how the same button die can result in buttons with similar but varied finishes and embellishment. The design is identical to a button also known as King Arthur featured in an earlier post, that is equally impressive, but without the cut steel border.

One of the things I enjoy about button collecting, is the way each button-- based on the original finish, the actions of aging, and whether someone has polished the button through the years-- develops its own character.

The buttons are made of one piece stamped and pierced brass, with a faceted and riveted cut steel border. The first King Arthur has cut steels in four graduated sizes, and the brass is muted and warm. The second button has a cut steel border with steels all of the same size, with the bright effect of polished brass. Of the two, I enjoy the first button the most, but my favorite of the three, in terms of patina, is the one without cut steels.

King Arthur wears a full suit of armor and a plumed helmet. He grips his sword, Excalibur, and a shield decorated with a six pointed star and a half moon.

Falcon Hunter: French White Metal

2009-10-08T15:36:00.007-04:00

Falcon Hunter

Stamped and Pierced

French White Metal

NBS Large

c1940s

Falcon Hunter - Button Back

This "falcon hunter" is a poor imitation of the original Falcon Huntress from the 1880s, yet the detailed design is attractive, including the fancy diamond border, the rider's flamboyant clothing, and the castle in the background. The stamped and pierced button is made of French White Metal, c1940s.

King Arthur: Knight with Cut Steel Border

2009-10-04T14:17:00.006-04:00

King Arthur

Knight Wearing a Helmet

Stamped and Pierced Brass

c1880s

NBS Large

King Arthur - Button Back

This detailed King Arthur wears a plumed helmet. He has a distinguished face. The button is one piece stamped and pierced brass. The fancy border is embellished with 14 faceted and riveted cut steels. I like the dark patina. Sadly, someone at some point, cut the button's shank, leaving the loop elongated and broken. I knew this when I purchased the button, so I was happy with the button find, since I've never seen another like it.

Mother and Daughter Dragons with Cut Steel Bodies

2009-10-02T23:39:00.008-04:00

Dragon/Cockatrice

Fabulous Creature

Mother and Daughter Buttons

NBS Small, NBS Large

c1880s

Dragon/Cockatrice

Mother and Daughter Buttons

Japanned Back

Buttons of the same design in two sizes, one larger and one smaller, are known in the "button world" as Mother and Daughter buttons. Often, some aspects of the "daughter" button are less distinct, as in the border of the smaller button, but the brass escutcheon dragon/cockatrice figures, and the dragon's cut steel bodies, are nearly identical, right down to the rooster comb, the snake-like neck, the open beak, and the detailed feathers.

The button depicts a version of the evil cockatrice, half serpent and half rooster, evolved in the middle ages from the concept of the basilisk. For more information on the cockatrice, and to compare the button's designs, see my earlier post, Fabulous Creature: Screen Back Dragon/ Cockatrice. The smaller of the two buttons is also pictured in my post, Dueling Dragons with Cut Steels.

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

Landsknechts Trumpeter: Antique Picture Button

2009-09-24T11:18:00.020-04:00

Landsknechts Trumpeter

with Short Sword and Shield

c1880s

Stamped and Pierced Brass

NBS Large, 1 7/16"

Landsknechts Trumpeter - Button Back

The medieval trumpeter is made of stamped and pierced brass. Note his curled hair, his puffed and slashed doublet and hose, ruffled sleeves, and the plumed feathers in his cap, the dress of a German Landsknechts mercenary soldier. He adorns himself with a short sword and a decorated shield, and his trumpet with a plain, unfurled banner. The actual button is a uniform golden tone, but the photograph, with its slightly reddish cast, shows the elaborate detail.

Fabulous Creature: Screen Back Dragon/ Cockatrice

2009-09-21T10:39:00.007-04:00

Fabulous Creature

Screen Back Dragon/ Cockatrice

NBS Large

Extra Large, 2" Wide

c1880s

Steel Metal Liner

Tinted Two Piece

Dragon Escutcheon

Fabulous Creature

Screen Back Dragon/ Cockatrice

Button Back

This truly Fabulous Creature is a 2 inch wide, extra large antique clothing button, circa 1880s, depicting a dragon-like creature known as a cockatrice. It would be categorized as an NBS large, but a button of this size is rare. The screen back is also rare. The main part of the button is made of one piece brass, with the front of the button constructed of the steel liner, the screen back, and the brass escutcheon of the fabulous creature.

The photograph barely captures the majesty of this impressive button. The shiny metal liner is perfect, twinkling like the shiny bright metal you can observe in the photograph below the creature's breast, in contrast to the screen back, which is tinted almost black. In dragon mythology, a cockatrice is a cross between a rooster and a snake, evolved from the concept of the basilisk. Note the creature's beak, comb, claws, and feathers, and his otherwise dragon-like appearance.

The flower tail is also a distinguishing mark, not because it bears any relation to a cockatrice, but because many button collectors are enthralled with owning "flower tail" dragons, the flower at the end of the tail added as an embellishment. Special thanks to my friend, Christine, for letting me know some of the dragons on my buttons are the "evil" cockatrice, lain by a rooster but hatched by a toad, its very glance capable of killing animal or human.

Genesis of a Button Collector/ Button Collecting Advice

2009-09-12T20:10:00.009-04:00

One of My Favorite

Antique Picture Buttons

I became a button collector when I was sixteen years old, visiting my grandmother in her two story wood frame house in upper Michigan, just before she sold it. I remember sorting buttons from a huge glass jar on the small table in her kitchen. She had diminutive metals and silvered glass, twinkle buttons, fun plastic faces, three large Syroco flower buttons, reverse painted clear glass, and Mexican hats. She had a large black crochet button, a row of tiny brass on a remnant of silk, dyed mother of pearl, bakelite ball buttons in yellow and red, and round black glass with faceted rhinestones. It's possible a few buttons came with her when she emigrated from Finland. They all became mine.

Years later, I began looking for buttons in antique shops and at antique shows. I was about twenty-five when I acquired a small button stash from a shop going out of business, including heraldry buttons, transportation buttons, and a set of brass palm trees with silver gilt, all for $5 plus $3 for the trees, because I didn't know what they were worth, and neither did the dealer.

After that, my success at shops and shows was limited. At shows, I'd sometimes find a few buttons in a jewelry case, but they were often common or damaged and outrageously priced, partly because the dealers were generalists. Worse is when I found only plain plastic buttons in a pickle jar with a calico bonnet, passed off as "vintage" or "collectible," or 1970s plastics in a dusty box or a rusted tin. (Though my brother once found me one of those pickle jars and it contained some of my favorite buttons, several black glass and a carved mother-of-pearl.)

I visited the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, Florida, and I was fascinated by what to me, at the time, was an incredible collection. (It still is, but I own buttons now, in some categories, to rival it!) I started purchasing books about buttons, and devouring the illustrations. I've never had the chance, to this day, to visit the National Button Society's annual button conference, or my state sponsored show, but, if you can afford it, that is a way to purchase buttons from reputable, knowledgeable, and enthused button dealers.

I hate, hate, hate to promote e-bay, but that is where I've found most of my buttons. It's important to educate yourself about button designs and materials, and to bid cautiously as you are learning, and not to get caught up in the frenzy. Most button designs, not all, are common enough they will come up for purchase again; and if they don't, there's always another design to satisfy your artistic leanings; and there are some rarer buttons that only the truly rich or the insane can afford.

There are also button dealers that sell from their own sites, but I've found the fixed prices are not always reasonable. It's possible, on e-bay, to sometimes get a deal, or at least a fair price, but it's also incredibly easy to pay way too much on a button that may indeed be beautiful, but common.

As in all antiques, condition is everything. Only bid on a damaged button if you love the design, you're planning to keep it for yourself, and the price is right. When buying a button, I always ask myself, would I pay this price if it were a piece of jewelry?

Regarding jewelry made of buttons- never, never, never buy a piece of jewelry, where the button's shank has been removed- it's like separating Lyra from her daemon. The button will no longer have any value as a button, and a piece of history will be forever destroyed. Almost always, the value of the button, as a button, is greater than the ephemeral button conglomerate the jewelry has become.

Another way to develop your collection, is to ask family members and friends if they or their relatives have any clothing buttons from an earlier generation. Though buttons from the mid to late twentieth century will never rival those of the nineteenth and the turn of the century, modern buttons from the 1920s through the 1960s can be a lot of fun with a surprising variety of subjects and materials, including the Art Deco era and early types of plastics like bakelite and extruded celluloid.

It's possible to purchase beautiful antique, Victorian, and Art Nouveau buttons for as little as $2 to $6 a piece. Glass, pewter, and vegetable ivory buttons are often sold in groups, bringing the price down to as little as 50 cents each, depending on the size and complexity of the buttons. In general, the larger the button, the higher the price. Most of the metal picture buttons depicted on my site range in price from $12 to $24, and I've purchased some for as little as $6, or as much as $38. I don't feel like I've ever paid too much for a button, because a few years later, they've still held their value; and I purchase to keep my buttons, not to sell.

I started this blog as a celebration of antique clothing buttons, and a place to feature the best of my permanent collection, photographing both the front and the backs of the buttons, and at a high resolution, so the buttons can be studied for their artistry and construction. For additional and more comprehensive sources of information on buttons and button collecting, I've provided links to button organizations and museums on my sidebar, including a link for the National Button Society (United States), and the British Button Society.

Soon, I'll be posting a bibliography of the button books I own, indicating which of the books are currently in print or likely to be available in libraries. The books are a joy in and of themselves, so if you can't afford buttons or don't have the space to store them, you might decide instead to buy a book, or to borrow them from your local library, or through interlibrary loan. Still, a picture of a button on a printed page is not the same as a button you can hold (carefully, by the edges, so not to transfer moisture or oils to the surface!).

Falcon Huntress with a Pierced Border

2009-09-07T23:20:00.015-04:00

Falcon Huntress

Stamped and Tinted Brass

Pierced Border

c1880s

NBS Large, 1 3/8"

Falcon Huntress - Pierced Border - Back

If this Falcon Huntress seems familiar, it is because she is patterned after the Falcon Huntress I featured in an earlier post. Both share the same basic design. The Falcon Huntress rides side saddle as she leaps a fence, her loyal hound running beneath it. She wears a high necked gown and a hennin with a flowing veil. This button is a stamped and tinted brass disc framed by a stamped, tinted and pierced brass border. I enjoy both buttons, but my favorite of the two is the version with the cut steel border.

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

Dueling Dragons with Cut Steels: Antique Picture Buttons

2009-09-05T20:28:00.012-04:00

Dragon/Cockatrice

with Cut Steel Body

c1880s

Two Piece

Tinted Brass

Japanned Back

NBS Small, 11/16"

Dragon with Cut Steels
c1880s
One Piece
Tinted Brass
NBS Small, 11/16"

Dueling Dragons with Cut Steels

Dueling Dragons - Backs

These buttons are great examples of the art of button construction and design. They both depict dragons (AKA fabulous creatures) with cut steels. The dragon with a cut steel body is made in three main parts with a front, a back, and a rim. He is a depiction of a cockatrice (without his legs or rooster comb). The second dragon is a one piece stamped brass button with four riveted and faceted cut steels. The term "fabulous creature" applies to all dragon or dragon-like creatures depicted on buttons. When placed together, the two creatures appear to be in opposition. I'm fascinated by the exceptional detail on buttons that are just shy of 3/4".

Immo and Hildegard: Story Button

2009-09-02T22:00:00.018-04:00

Immo and Hildegard

Story Button

Stamped and Pierced

Tinted Brass

Shiny Metal Liner

NBS Medium, 1 3/16"

c1890s

Immo and Hildegard - Japanned Back

~ Immo and Hildegard ~

from Gustav Freytag's The Wren's Nest

Printed in the book

Brewer, Ebenezer Cobham, 1810-1897

Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama.

A Revised American Edition

of the Readers' Handbook Volume II (1892)

Immo and Hildegard

Artist - H. Kaulbach

Printed in the book

Brewer, Ebenezer Cobham, 1810-1897

Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama.

A revised American Edition

of the Readers' Handbook Volume II (1892)

There is a beautiful story to go with this button. The button is known as Immo and Hildegard, or, the Lover's Meeting. It is a stamped and pierced brass button, mounted over a shiny metal liner, with a japanned back. At 1 3/16", it is 1/16" shy of being an NBS Large. The streaks in the silver liner are an artifact of the photograph, and do not appear on the actual button. If you click on the image above, you can read about Immo and Hildegard. The full text is available from the The University of Wisconsin's Digital Collections, as printed in Character Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama, circa 1892. The entry starts on Page 204 and continues on Page 205, with the print and a frontispiece sandwiched between them.

Freytag's story of Immo and Hildegard, and H. Kaulbach's image are in the public domain. I wonder if H. Kaulbach had anything to do with the design of this button, since it is clearly patterned after the woodcut illustrating Freytag's story. I also haven't been able to determine how long a work the original volume, The Wren's Nest, might be, because what is printed in Character Sketches is flowery and romantic, but brief. Freytag, a controversial German novelist and playwright, lived from 1816-1895. Kaulbach is probably Hermann Kaulbauch (1846-1909), a German artist best known for his portraits of children.

Guest Book

2009-09-01T21:50:00.004-04:00

If you have one or more buttons you treasure, you are a button collector. If you appreciate the design, artistry, and construction of antique buttons, you are a button fan. Either way, please sign this guest book by writing a comment, and let everyone know a little about your passions.

Do you own family heirloom buttons? How did you begin button collecting? What types of buttons do you collect? What do you enjoy most about antique buttons? If you were to design a picture button, what theme would you choose to depict? What is your favorite button material? What is your favorite antique button era? If you've saved buttons from your childhood, what memories can you attach to them?

This moderated guest book is open to whatever information you'd like to include. And comments on individual buttons are always welcome!

Romeo and Juliet: Medieval Couple

2009-08-30T00:17:00.020-04:00

Romeo and Juliet

Art Nouveau

Stamped and Pierced

White Metal

Couples Button

NBS Medium, 1 1/16"

Romeo and Juliet - Back

This button is known as "Romeo and Juliet." It is a wonderful depiction of romantic "courtly" life. A fancy dressed Romeo presents a parrot or a cockatoo to his love. The actual button is barely over 1" wide. It is a stamped and pierced white metal button, probably made in the Art Nouveau era. The gentleman wears tights, pointed shoes, puffed sleeves and a plumed hat. The lady wears a lovely gown with a long train, and a hennin with a flowing veil. Note the patterned floor, and the framed effect of the button's design, as if it were a woodcut or an illustration for a book. In natural light, the actual metal is a duller silver than a French white metal button, with just a hint of "orange" patina.

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

Trumpeter: French White Metal Button

2009-08-29T00:19:00.009-04:00

Trumpeter

Stamped and Pierced

French White Metal

c1940s

NBS Large, 1 7/16"

Trumpeter - Back

The trumpeter wears a helmet, a cloak, decorated sleeves, and a sword strapped to his belt. He may be sounding a charge. I enjoy the button's attention to detail, including his face, the position of his body, and the folds in his clothing, but compared to the brass buttons of the late nineteenth century, French white metal buttons from the 1940s appear "cobbier," and the embellishments are more "busy" than accomplished. Still, it's a great button with a great design. (Also, I'm showing the buttons three to five times their actual size, exaggerating any flaws in design or workmanship.)

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

Battle Knight on a Charging Horse: French White Metal Button

2009-08-28T11:37:00.016-04:00

Knight on Horseback

Stamped and Pierced

French White Metal

c1940s

NBS Large, 1 1/2"

Knight on Horseback - Back

The charging knight wears full battle armor, right down to his spurs. The button is made of stamped and pierced French white metal. Note the surface detailing on the knight's armor and his shield, and on the horse's blanket. I enjoy the sense of motion in this button. As far as I know, it does not copy an earlier antique, and is a unique design, made in France in the 1940s. If anyone reading this post knows anything more about this button, or French white metal buttons in general, please add a comment. I know how to recognize one, and those I've purchased have been identified as French white metal, but I don't know much more about them.

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

Knight at the Door Bearing a Shield

2009-08-27T15:12:00.018-04:00

Knight at the Door

c1880s

NBS Large, 1 3/8"

One Piece Stamped Brass

Riveted Cut Steels

Border with Screw Heads

Knight at the Door - Angled View

Knight at the Door - Back

Knight at the Door - Three Brothers

Knight at the Door - Three Brothers - Back

This button is often referred to as: Knight at the Door, even though he is actually a knight bearing a shield. I love this button. I first acquired the button without cut steels, and of the three, I enjoy the first button's "patina" the most. The button is slightly concave, and has a definite sense of three dimensionality, with the knight standing in relief from his textured background. He wears chain maille, gauntlets, a shoulder pauldron, a gorget, and a plumed helmet.

Five faceted and riveted cut steels decorate this one piece stamped brass button. The "brother" buttons, even the NBS small, exhibit the same quality of workmanship, and the same applied shank. Note the screw heads in the border and the rich detailing of the knight's mustached face and his armor.

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

Fierce Crusader Knight: King Richard the Lionheart

2009-08-26T12:50:00.007-04:00

Fierce Crusader Knight

c1880s

One Piece Stamped Brass

Riveted and Faceted Cut Steels

NBS Large, 1 7/16"

Fierce Crusader Knight - Back

When I saw his face in a button listing, I knew I had to have him, damage and all. He is missing one cut steel. I think it adds to his character. Note the lion on his shield, and the Knight's chain he wears at his breast . He may be a depiction of King Richard the Lionheart. The button is made of one piece stamped brass, with 12 faceted and riveted cut steels embellishing a brick border.

Troubadour of Love: French White Metal

2009-08-25T07:34:00.022-04:00

Troubadour

French White Metal

Inset Marcasite

Fancy Border

NBS Large, 1 7/16"

c1940s

Heart Shield

Troubadour - Back

The blunt faced minstrel is down on bended knee, perhaps to his love, playing a guitarra. The button is constructed of one piece stamped and pierced white metal, made in France in the 1940s. This button is unusual; rather than cut steels, the fancy border is embellished with what I believe is marcasite. Sixteen marcasites alternate with hearts in the border, and four additional marcasites decorate the central image, including a marcasite set into a heart. The heart is emblazoned on a banner or a shield.

Jousting Knights: Shield Border

2009-08-23T22:38:00.016-04:00

Jousting Knights

Shield Border

c1880s

One Piece

Stamped and Pierced Brass

NBS Large, 1 5/8"

Jousting Knights - Back

This button captures the moment of impact when two armored knights collide in the joust. A lance breaks as one rider attempts to unhorse the other, gaining the victory. The button is made of one piece stamped and pierced brass with an applied brass shank. The fancy border is comprised of twelve floral medallions alternated with twelve unique shields. Even the wild eyed horses wear armor.

Falcon Huntress

2009-08-21T00:09:00.012-04:00

Falcon Huntress

c1880s

One Piece

Stamped and Pierced Brass

Riveted Cut Steels

Fancy Border

NBS Large, 1 5/8"

Falcon Huntress - Back

This glorious button is known as the Falcon Huntress. The Lady rides side saddle, and her horse gracefully leaps a fence as her loyal hound runs beneath it. The button is made of one piece stamped and pierced (openwork) brass, with 12 faceted cut steels riveted into the fancy border. She wears a high necked gown and a cone shaped hennin with a flowing veil.

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

King Arthur: Knight in Armor

2009-08-20T10:43:00.014-04:00

King Arthur
Knight in Armor
One Piece
Stamped and Pierced Brass
NBS Large, 1 1/2"
Fancy Border

King Arthur - Back

A distinguished King Arthur, wearing a full suit of armor and a plumed helmet, holds his sword, Excalibur. His shield is emblazoned with a half moon and a six pointed star.

Medieval Woman Wearing a Hennin and a Fur Trimmed Gown

2009-08-17T01:12:00.021-04:00

Medieval Woman

NBS Large, 1 7/16"

c1880s

One Piece

Stamped and Pierced Brass

Medieval Woman - Back

The Lady, perhaps a Queen, wears a hennin (conical hat with veil) and a fur trimmed gown. She touches his armor as if she were touching the shoulder of her King. This button is constructed in one piece stamped and pierced (openwork) brass, with exceptional detail, from the gathers in her skirt to the texture in her headdress and the fur that trims the bodice of her gown. A small bag dangles from her hip. She looks to me as though she waits for his return, or, she contemplates his leaving for a noble quest. If she could, she would go in his stead.

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

Medieval Collection I

2009-08-16T23:18:00.009-04:00

Medieval Theme Picture Buttons

I'll be featuring these buttons in upcoming posts. The buttons in brass date from c1860s to c 1880s. The "white metal" buttons are French, circa 1940s, which were often reproductions of earlier buttons, or they are original designs. Themes range from knights to ladies to falconry to dragons, castles, musicians, and lovers. They are one, two, or three piece construction. Some of the buttons are embellished with riveted cut steels, and many are pierced (openwork). Every button was purchased individually. This is a working "card" of buttons (shanks punched through archival card stock), not a permanent display. I enjoy all of my buttons, but, if this group were the only buttons I could own, I would be a happy woman. Click on the image to see the buttons in greater detail.

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

Imp of Pain ~ Chiseling the Face of the Moon

2009-08-15T00:38:00.017-04:00

Imp of Pain

(AKA) Chiseling the Face of the Moon

c1880s or earlier

NBS Large, 1 7/16"

Three Piece Brass

Leaf Border, Steel Liner,

Brass Escutcheon, Brown Background,

Reddish Tint, Japanned Back

I've seen this button referred to as The Imp of Pain; also as Chiseling the Face of the Moon. It's an NBS Large, exhibiting a great amount of detail and multi-step construction, including the brown painted background, a steel liner (discolored from its original bright silver), a brass leaf border, and the imp and the moon molded in a one piece brass, raised and 3-D escutcheon. In addition, the brass border and escutcheon are tinted in red. The back of the button is Japanned black, with an inserted brass shank.

In the photograph, I "touched up" minor scratches in the brown background, which are barely noticeable when the button is viewed at its original size of almost 1 1/2". (Please note: Buttons for sale should always be photographed exactly as is, imperfections in particular, so the buyer knows exactly what to expect. Minor flaws in an exceptional button are acceptable to many buyers, due to the age of the buttons, but a buyer should always be fully informed of condition, and the pictures are more telling than any verbal description.)

The moon looks reasonably comfortable, despite the title of the button; but the imp, with his deep frown, appears particularly unhappy with his work. Perhaps he's just concentrating.

Art Nouveau Woman: Flower Petal Hat

2009-08-14T23:58:00.019-04:00

Art Nouveau Woman

Flower Petal Hat

Molded Brass with Gilt

Overexposed to Show Detail

NBS Small, 1/2"

This lovely young woman, art nouveau, wears a flower petal cap. She is only 1/2" wide, with a thoughtful, somewhat pensive expression. I wonder what she is thinking.

Story Button: Puss In Boots

2009-07-28T23:05:00.027-04:00

Puss In Boots

NBS Small, 5/8"

One Piece

Stamped & Pierced Brass

Faceted & Riveted Cut Steels

Puss In Boots

Back

This exquisite little button is about 5/8" in circumference. Puss In Boots, wearing his dashing cloak, sword, high topped boots, and plumed hat, holds the mouse by the tale before he will bring him to his open mouth. The mouse, formerly a not-so-clever ogre, clings to the petal of the flower with his trembling paws.

Made of one piece stamped and pierced brass, this button is enhanced with seven faceted and riveted cut steels. Typically, it would also have been made in a size medium, and a size large. It is remarkable workmanship for such a tiny item, and dates to c1870s to c1880s.

If you like this button, or have a question, please leave a comment!

Minerva: Mythology Button

2009-07-22T11:20:00.032-04:00

~ Minerva ~

c1880s

Brass and Silver Metal

Two Piece Construction

NBS Medium

~ Minerva ~

Back View

I acquired this button at a bargain price. The picture on the listing was blurred, but the price was right, and I took the chance on her as a compliment to the button, Winter. She arrived in perfect condition, in need only of a light buffing with a cotton cloth to remove old polish, which thankfully, hadn't destroyed her patina (It's best not to polish brass or metal buttons, but to carefully buff them). She is Minerva, goddess of wisdom, and patron of industry, agriculture and the arts. Note her dolphin helmet, the sheaves of wheat in her hair, and the head of Medusa worn at her breast. The pierced (openwork) button is in two parts. It is difficult to tell from the picture, but the brass Minerva is inset into silver metal.

Four Seasons: Winter

2009-07-20T00:59:00.028-04:00

~ Winter ~

Art Nouveau

Brass, NBS Medium

~ Winter ~

Back View

This fantastic button is said to be one of four seasons, but I've never seen the other three. The detail is exceptional, and the slightly concave button is only about 1" wide. The patina is the original finish, plus a hundred years of "mellowing." The button is made of brass, with silver gilt at her shoulder and near her face. I love the way her hood and her hair blend with the woods, the knowing expression on her face, and her bewildering agelessness. Is she girl or woman?

Woman With Swirling Hair

2009-07-17T02:17:00.022-04:00

~ Woman With Swirling Hair ~

Art Nouveau

Brass, NBS Medium

~ Woman With Swirling Hair ~
Back View

My nickname for this button is: Desire. I've viewed this button from many angles and in various qualities of light. Her expression is always slightly secretive, always seductive, and joyful. Sometimes her eyes appear shut, other times half closed. One wonders, when the artist created her, if he (or she) had a particular woman in mind. Some button art was inspired by a known painting or illustration. If anyone has any information about this button design, its artist, or its manufacturer, please let me know. The seller identified it as antique, and Art Nouveau. I actually own two of this button in excellent condition, and another with all of its one hundred year old patina, sadly, removed.

Pewter Castle

2009-07-08T23:59:00.022-04:00

~ Pewter Castle ~

c1880s

Three Piece Construction, Size NBS Large,

Bright Cut Pewter with Steel Liner,

Tinted Brass Rim, and Japanned Back

I bought this button a while back, a 120 year old plus button, 1.5" wide, in excellent condition. This was the photo from the listing. As pictured, it actually has the reddish tint on the domed tower roof, the three dimensional relief effect, the pebbly sky and the textured bricks. The button is shiny bright where the pewter has been cut for the roof, the pole, the parapet, the windows, and the pond beneath the tree. Notice the waving flag and the three flying birds.

Three Strong Women

2009-07-08T11:38:00.022-04:00

~ Woman with Swirling Hair~

~Winter ~ ~Minerva~

These women all deserve a better photograph!

All three are made with brass. "Woman with Swirling Hair" is one piece. "Winter" is one piece construction with silver gilt. "Minerva" is two piece openwork (pierced) construction, brass over silver metal. They are part of my personal collection. Click on the photo and look at their faces: These women know secrets! I'll post individual photos as soon as I learn how to better photograph them.

Woman of the Sun

2009-07-07T20:30:00.023-04:00

~ Woman of the Sunflower ~

Brass, NBS Small

"Woman of the Sunflower" is my own title for a recent button acquisition. It is an NBS (National Button Society) size small, about 1/2" across. It is concave, made of one piece gilded brass. I do wish the button had been a medium, as described!

This would be even more incredible in a size large, but the photographer did this button justice. It's a fine example of the art of button making, even stamped and molded and mass produced. I respond to the design of the button, and the strength and wisdom in the woman's face.

More About Me

2009-07-07T20:00:00.028-04:00

I'm a member of The National Button Society, and I've been a button collector for many years. I collect antique picture buttons in every material from about the 1860s through the 1930s. Though I appreciate pearl, glass, vegetable ivory, pewter, wood, and celluloid, I am most drawn to antique picture buttons, made in one to three parts from various backgrounds and metals, particularly brass. Picture buttons are like holding a miniature sculpture, a piece of history in the palm of your hands.

My favorite clothing buttons include representations from the 1870s through the Art Nouveau era, when there was a nostalgia for all things medieval or mythological; and graceful women, innately strong and beautiful. As I photograph my extensive button collection, I will add posts, and when it is known, from my personal study or the button literature, I'll include popular titles, a history of the button, and information about the button's materials. I've also added links on the sidebar to sites about button collecting. Please feel free to comment on my posts and add to the discussion.

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button