Silver Buttons Value Guide

This set of three UK-origin buttons from the 1880-1920 era represents the transition from functional fasteners to miniature works of art. Featuring a blend of silver and faceted cut steel, these pieces were designed to mimic the brilliance of diamonds under candlelight.

What affects the value of Silver Buttons?

• The presence of all three buttons in a matching set significantly increases the collective market value.
• The condition of the cut steel facets, specifically the lack of rust and the retention of their original reflective polish.
• Clarity of the silver hallmarks, which can confirm the exact year and city of origin in the United Kingdom.
• The level of wear on the intricate detailing, as crisp patterns command higher prices than those smoothed by heavy use.

How to Identify Silver Buttons?

• Look for the characteristic faceted surfaces of cut steel studs riveted to a silver base plate.
• Examine the reverse for UK hallmarks or maker's marks consistent with the late Victorian to Edwardian period.
• Check for natural tarnish on the silver components and signs of hand-tooling in the intricate decorative patterns.
• Verify the attachment style, as buttons from this era typically feature a sturdy metal shank rather than modern sew-through holes.

History of Silver Buttons

Buttons have a rich history, evolving from simple fasteners to elaborate decorative items. In the 17th to 19th centuries, buttons were often miniature works of art, crafted from precious metals, jewels, and intricate designs. Cut steel buttons, popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, were admired for their faceted surfaces that mimicked diamonds when polished. These particular buttons, with their tarnished silver appearance and visible signs of age, suggest a time when such small details were highly valued in fashion.