Late 15th/16thC buttons

Buttons from this period were not only used for the practical purposes of fastening garments but also purely for decoration. Such false buttons were sewn onto various parts of the garments and even onto hats.

Many of the Tudor buttons are primitive in form with crudely shaped loops or shanks. The buttons sometimes have loops that appear far too large for the button and long

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16thC Tudor fretwork buttons

 

 

Unknown silver button

17thC buttons

During the 17thC the favourite button was the flat backed nipple type. These are generally associated to the Civil war 1640's. Most are made from pewter and some were made from an alloy of metals known as tombac. The large ornate buttons were those worn by the wealthy.

The silver two hearts below a crown appears to have been produced in the 1660's to celebrate the the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II. It is also suggested that the single heart with flame is the celebration of Charles 1st marriage. These are declared treasure and several have been purchased by the local museum for their collection

17thCbuttons

The golden age of button's

 

18th/19th C buttons