Two King Arthur Buttons with Cut Steels

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.

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

Landsknechts Trumpeter: Antique Picture Button

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.

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button

Battle Knight on a Charging Horse: French White Metal Button

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

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

King Arthur: Knight in Armor

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.

Image and Text © 2009 Anne AKA Once Upon A Button