La Mode Vintage Buttons Value Guide

These vintage La Mode buttons represent the late 20th-century legacy of the Blumenthal Lansing Company, a staple of American haberdashery since 1877. This specific card of four matte black shank buttons showcases the shift toward the minimalist, utilitarian aesthetic popular in 1970s and 1980s fashion.

What Is La Mode Vintage Buttons Worth?

The typical price range for La Mode Vintage Buttons is $5 - $5 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The presence of the original retail card significantly increases the value compared to loose, uncarded buttons.
• The condition of the matte surface, as plastic from this era can sometimes develop scuffs or 'blooming' over time.
• Completeness of the set, with a full card of four buttons being more desirable for garment restoration projects.
• The historical provenance of the Blumenthal Lansing Company name, which remains a primary driver for vintage notion collectors.

How to Identify La Mode Vintage Buttons?

• Look for the original 'La Mode' branding and typography on the card stock, consistent with late 20th-century graphic design.
• Verify the matte black finish on the plastic face, which should be uniform and free of modern high-gloss coatings.
• Inspect the rear metal shank attachment, which is characteristic of La Mode's durable construction methods from this era.
• Confirm the 'Made in U.S.A.' origin marking typically found on the reverse side of the retail carding.

History of La Mode Vintage Buttons

La Mode is one of the most recognized names in the button industry, founded in 1877 as Blumenthal Lansing Company. Throughout the 20th century, La Mode became a staple in department stores and sewing shops, known for high-quality decorative fasteners that tracked closely with changing fashion trends from Victorian elegance to Mid-Century Modern simplicity.