Fox Hunt Button Value Guide

These vintage UK fox hunt buttons from the 1900-1950 era represent a storied European tradition where attire signaled specific hunt club affiliations. Crafted from a distinctive combination of metal and mother of pearl, they served as both functional blazer fasteners and markers of social standing within the sporting community.

What affects the value of Fox Hunt Button?

• The presence of rare hunt club insignias or specific regional motifs can increase collector interest.
• Condition of the mother of pearl, specifically the absence of chips, cracks, or yellowing of the shell.
• The quality of the metalwork and the level of detail preserved in the fox or game engravings.
• Historical provenance linking the button to a specific recognized UK hunt organization.

How to Identify Fox Hunt Button?

• Look for specific hunt motifs such as a fox head or hunting horn engraved into the metal surface.
• Examine the base material for genuine mother of pearl, which should show a natural iridescence and cool temperature to the touch.
• Check the reverse side for United Kingdom maker's marks or backstamps consistent with early 20th-century manufacturing.
• Verify the construction style, typically featuring a metal shank or decorative face set into a shell disc.

History of Fox Hunt Button

Fox hunting buttons have a rich history, dating back centuries in European tradition. These buttons were not merely decorative; they often indicated the wearer's affiliation with a specific hunt club, and their design frequently featured motifs related to the hunt, such as a fox head, a hunting horn, or other game. The quality and material of the buttons could also denote the social standing of the hunter.