Three Button

Three Button

Navel Belly Button Ring Three Assorted Gem Paved Cross Dangle Piercing *192

$4.99

36V Three Phase AC Contactor 3A Relay Push Button Motor Magnetic Starter

$48.83

Pre-owned Women’s Blazer Cut Long Sz 4 Epic Black Pin Stripe Three Button

$9.99

Amaro Long Sleeve Three Button Sweater Size L

$24.00

Ralph Lauren Short Sleeved Three Button/Oxford Collar/Shirt/Mint Cond./XL/MoD

$16.99

Three button side vented flat front Barneys New York suit 46L made in Italy

$229.00

NWT Three Hearts Black Velour Button Up Shirt Sz Small

$21.00

Dress Barn Green Button Front Blouse Shirt Three Quarter Sleeves Size 2X 18/20

$14.00

2x Three Buttons Remote KEY Case for Mitsubishi Eclipse Galant Lancer

$9.99

CANVAS MENS HUDSON THREE BUTTON POLO SHIRT ANY CLR/SZ

$20.99

CANVAS MENS HUDSON THREE BUTTON POLO SHIRT ANY CLR/SZ

$17.99

CANVAS MENS HUDSON THREE BUTTON POLO SHIRT ANY CLR/SZ

$20.99

CANVAS MENS HUDSON THREE BUTTON POLO SHIRT ANY CLR/SZ

$17.99

VINTAGE *THREE STOOGES* LARRY PIN/BUTTON 1″ B&W

$7.99

VINTAGE CARVED BAKELITE BUTTONS -SET OF THREE -LARGE

$6.95

JCrew Aldridge three-button suit jacket with center vent in chino / 44/R / WHEAT

$50.00

Vintage Maggie Lawrence womens size 18/20 acrylic three button sweater black

$23.79

Motor Control Reset Button Three Phase Thermal Overload Relay 8-22A

$19.78

Fender Three Button Footswitch for Pro 185 Amp

$49.99

3 THREE STOOGES SHIRT CLOTHING BUTTONS MOE LARRY CURLY

$20.00

HARRY POTTER PLATFORM 9-3/4 NINE & THREE QUARTERS HOGWARTS EXPRESS BUTTON BADGE!

$1.99

VINTAGE WOMAN’S COLLAR w three buttons & 1 1/2″ lace

$4.00

New U & I Men’s Three Button Solid Black Suit -Regular 42 x 36

$69.99

Button button, whose got the button

We’ve all seen those lists ranking antiques and collectibles. People collect this, or people collect that, each list offering its own slant on the most popular collectibles. I remember when I was an antiques dealer, for me, the most popular collectible was the last thing I sold. I always wished I had 10 more of those.

As I was exploring idea’s of what antiques to feature in this issue, I encountered one of those “most popular” lists, and I have to admit to being slightly stunned. The list topper (Dolls) didn’t surprise me much; I’ve seen those ravenous collectors at the local doll shows. It was number two that caught my eye. Buttons. Buttons? Who’d a thunk it. And they’re not even talking about political or pin back buttons. They actually mean those little things that keep our shirts and dresses closed. Boy have I been out of the loop.

I’ve long been aware, that there were people out there collecting buttons, however, I had always assumed they were collected primarily as a minor sub segment of sewing collectibles. It turns out to be quite the contrary, with hordes of button collectors, scouring antiques shops, flea markets, thrift shores and estate sales, seeking out buttons, independent of other sewing items. There are button clubs, button conventions and button fairs, not to mention the youthful pastime button button, whose got the button.

Why collect buttons? Buttons are fun. They’re small, readily available and easily stored or displayed in a small space. They can also be quite beautiful, and come in a variety of materials. Name the substance, and someone made a button from it. From 18th century paintings on ivory, to colorful enamels and fine porcelains, to whimsical Bakelite and art deco designs, there’s an antique button for every taste and pocket book. In fact, the savvy collector can build a collection that is significant from artistic, historic and monetary perspectives.

If you’re a history buff, you’ll find that old buttons often incorporate historical events or mirror major style movements such as art nouveau or art deco. A collection may contain examples from throughout the 300 year history of buttons, or may be limited to the collectors interest in a design movement such as art deco, or be built around a material like ivory, porcelain or Bakelite. Every collection will be different.

It’s easy to start a button collection. Most homes have some sort of button repository. Often a drawer, tin box or bag, filled with buttons clipped from old coats, shirts, dresses and other discarded clothing items. When you find it, you have the beginnings of a button collection. Better yet, make a trip to grandma’s house, and search for vintage buttons there. Look through what you find, and see what interests you. Gather a few books on the subject, do some reading and research (a good place to start is the National Button Society (www.nationalbuttonsociety.org/Home), and bingo, you’re ready to begin the hunt.

And, for you guy’s who think buttons are a “chick” thing, take a look to the left, at the Civil War Mississippi Infantry button. You’d better hope you find it with a metal detector, this button retails for over a thousand bucks.

Happy hunting, see you out there……..

About the Author

Dennis Barker is publisher of the New Century Collector, a monthly Utah based collectors newspaper, which features collecting news, along with antiques advertising and articles related to the field. Distributed thoughout Utah and parts of Idaho, the publication can be picked up free from most antiques shops withing their distibution area. The current issue, along with past issues can be read at our website www.newcenturycollector.com.

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The Faces – Three Button Hand Me Down

Button button, whose got the button

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