Buttons Value & Price Guide

Button collecting is a fascinating hobby that bridges the gap between fashion history and miniature art. Collectors prize these small fasteners for their diverse materials, ranging from early 20th-century Bakelite to intricate Victorian-era silver designs.

Price Range: $10 - $15 based on recent sales

History of Buttons

The history of button collecting as a formal hobby gained significant momentum in the United States during the late 1930s with the founding of the National Button Society. Before this era, buttons were primarily viewed as functional utilitarian objects, but the introduction of synthetic materials like celluloid and Bakelite transformed them into vibrant fashion statements. During the Great Depression, 'charm strings' became a popular way to collect and trade unique specimens, leading to a sophisticated market for rare designs. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, buttons reflected the industrial and social changes of the time. From the hand-carved vegetable ivory and buffalo horn buttons of the early 1900s to the mass-produced 'Moonglow' and 'Streamline' plastic buttons of the mid-century, each piece serves as a time capsule. Specialized buttons, such as those made from repurposed coins or featuring intricate Celtic knots, highlight the craftsmanship that collectors still seek out today in the vintage market.

Value Factors for Buttons

The typical price range for Buttons is $10 - $15 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Material rarity, with early synthetics like Bakelite and natural materials like silver or buffalo horn commanding higher prices.
• The complexity of the design, such as pictorial roosters or ornate Celtic knots versus plain utilitarian shapes.
• Historical significance, particularly for buttons manufactured by recognized 19th-century firms or those made from authentic currency like Buffalo Nickels.
• The condition of the finish, especially for 'Moonglow' or iridescent glass buttons where surface scratches can dull the visual appeal.

Tips for Buying Buttons

• Examine the shank on the back of the button to determine its age and ensure it is still securely attached.
• Use a hot water or rub test to identify authentic Bakelite and Galalith buttons by their distinct chemical scents.
• Look for manufacturer marks like Scovill Mfg Co, which can significantly increase the historical value and provenance of military or uniform buttons.
• Check for chips or 'flea bites' on glass and vegetable ivory pieces, as structural integrity heavily influences the final price.

Items in This Collection

• Vintage Moonglow Buttons
• Vegetable Ivory Buttons
• Streamline Buttons Value & Price Guide
• Buffalo Nickel Buttons
• Celtic Knot Buttons
• Rooster Button
• Galalith Buttons Value & Price Guide
• Silver Buttons
• Scovill Mfg Co Waterbury Button
• Vintage Button Collection
• Bakelite Buttons Value & Price Guide
• Bakelite Button Value & Price Guide
• Coin Button
• Le Chic Buttons
• Buffalo Horn Button