Dueling Dragons with Cut Steels: Antique Picture Buttons

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".

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

Knight at the Door Bearing a Shield

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

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.

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

Story Button: Puss In Boots

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!

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button