http://www.babyclothingboutique.net/button-down/
BUTTON BUTTON, WHOSE GOT THE BUTTON
We’ve all seen those lists ranking antiques and collectibles. People collect this, or people collect that, each list offering its own slant on the most popular collectibles. I remember when I was an antiques dealer, for me, the most popular collectible was the last thing I sold. I always wished I had 10 more of those.
As I was exploring idea’s of what antiques to feature in this issue, I encountered one of those “most popular” lists, and I have to admit to being slightly stunned. The list topper (Dolls) didn’t surprise me much; I’ve seen those ravenous collectors at the local doll shows. It was number two that caught my eye. Buttons. Buttons? Who’d a thunk it. And they’re not even talking about political or pin back buttons. They actually mean those little things that keep our shirts and dresses closed. Boy have I been out of the loop.
I’ve long been aware, that there were people out there collecting buttons, however, I had always assumed they were collected primarily as a minor sub segment of sewing collectibles. It turns out to be quite the contrary, with hordes of button collectors, scouring antiques shops, flea markets, thrift shores and estate sales, seeking out buttons, independent of other sewing items. There are button clubs, button conventions and button fairs, not to mention the youthful pastime button button, whose got the button.
Why collect buttons? Buttons are fun. They’re small, readily available and easily stored or displayed in a small space. They can also be quite beautiful, and come in a variety of materials. Name the substance, and someone made a button from it. From 18th century paintings on ivory, to colorful enamels and fine porcelains, to whimsical Bakelite and art deco designs, there’s an antique button for every taste and pocket book. In fact, the savvy collector can build a collection that is significant from artistic, historic and monetary perspectives.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll find that old buttons often incorporate historical events or mirror major style movements such as art nouveau or art deco. A collection may contain examples from throughout the 300 year history of buttons, or may be limited to the collectors interest in a design movement such as art deco, or be built around a material like ivory, porcelain or Bakelite. Every collection will be different.
It’s easy to start a button collection. Most homes have some sort of button repository. Often a drawer, tin box or bag, filled with buttons clipped from old coats, shirts, dresses and other discarded clothing items. When you find it, you have the beginnings of a button collection. Better yet, make a trip to grandma’s house, and search for vintage buttons there. Look through what you find, and see what interests you. Gather a few books on the subject, do some reading and research (a good place to start is the National Button Society (www.nationalbuttonsociety.org/Home), and bingo, you’re ready to begin the hunt.
And, for you guy’s who think buttons are a “chick” thing, take a look to the left, at the Civil War Mississippi Infantry button. You’d better hope you find it with a metal detector, this button retails for over a thousand bucks.
Happy hunting, see you out there……..
About the Author
Dennis Barker is publisher of the New Century Collector, a monthly Utah based collectors newspaper, which features collecting news, along with antiques advertising and articles related to the field. Distributed thoughout Utah and parts of Idaho, the publication can be picked up free from most antiques shops withing their distibution area. The current issue, along with past issues can be read at our website www.newcenturycollector.com.
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MENS SMALL FACONNABLE BLUE PINSTRIPE BUTTON DOWN DRESS SHIRT $9.99 $9.99 |
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MENS RALPH LAUREN POLO STRIPED BUTTON DOWN SHIRT XL $19.99 |
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Mens TOMMY BAHAMA HAWAIIAN TROPICAL BUTTON DOWN SHIRT ** SZ L $19.90 |
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Jones Wear Womens size 6 Gray Tie long sleeve button down shirt – barely worn $15.29 |
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Boys 12-18 Mos Gymboree Button Down Short Sleeve Shirt Top BUG DETECTIVE $7.99 |
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Ralph Lauren Polo Plaid Button Down Shirt 12 Month EUC $9.75 |
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NEW Ralph Lauren Chaps Dress Shirt Button Down 18 M NWT $9.75 |
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Ralph Lauren Polo Plaid Button Down Dress Shirt 5 EUC $14.60 |
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Triumph Women’s Short Sleeve Button Down Black Pit Shirt Size Small $9.99 |
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BODEN Blue Pink Floral Print Button Down Shirt UK SZ 12 $29.00 |
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NEW Boys DC Shoes STILETTO Long Sleeve Button Down – Medium – Deep Red $28.00 |
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DONNA KARAN * Black TEXTURED SHEER LONG SLEEVE BUTTON DOWN LONG JACKET~8 $249.00 |
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2012 NEW MEN HOLLISTER BY ABERCROMBIE BUTTON DOWN PLAID T SHIRT SIZE L LARGE $22.50 |
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ARIAT “Fritzi”, Button Down Rouge Print, Cute, Comfy and Cool, Sz L $12.49 |
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WOMENS SZ 10 PETITE ALFRED DUNNER PLAID BUTTON DOWN TOP SHIRT SHORT SLEEVES $0.99 |
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ENTRACTE Brown Woven Detail Button Down Shirt Sz 2 $29.00 |
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3.1 PHILLIP LIM Ivory Cotton Short Sleeve Button Down Pleated Blouse Top Sz 4 $69.00 |
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Eddie Bauer Mens XL TALL Mens Shirts Lot of 3 Cotton Button Down XLT PERFECT $45.00 |
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BL99DW PLAID ELASTIC BACK BUTTON DOWN COLLAR SHIRT Sz M $9.99 |
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WOMENS SZ L EAST 5TH RED POLKA DOT BUTTON DOWN TOP BLOUSE LONG SLEEVES $3.25 |
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Junior Junior’s Button Down Coat Jacket Size Medium M $0.01 |
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EUC ABERCROMBIE A&F KIDS LONG SLEEVE BUTTON DOWN PLAID SHIRT S SMALL $17.99 |
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Antique Victorian Button Down Pair Felt Shoe Toppers Covers Good Condition Age $24.99 |
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Arrow wrinkle free oxford 15 1/2- 32/33 gray button down shirt $0.99 |
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IZOD MAIZE YELLOW BUTTON DOWN CARDIGAN SWEATER $19.99 |
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NEW DIRECTION SIZE S DENIM BUTTON DOWN JACKET W/ANIMALS EMBROIDERED $21.00 |
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Kasper A.S.L.~ Japan Print Button Down Top/ Blouse ~ Size S ~ GREAT !!! $9.90 |
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Sourpuss Sinking Ship Bella Dress Blue Turquoise Sweetheart Neckline Button Down $48.00 |
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BURBERRY BLUE WHITE GOLD PINSTRIPE POINT COLLAR BUTTON DOWN DRESS SHIRT 15.5 34 $67.99 |
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Alfani NWT L Mens Short Sleeve Dress Shirt NEW White Fitted Button Down $23.99 |
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MEDIUM (10/12) CHEROKEE GIRLS PINK and WHITE STRIPPED BUTTON DOWN $7.99 |
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Boys The Children’s Place red fine wale corduroy button down shirt 24 mo 2T $5.99 |
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Woman’s Outerwear, size small, wool/poly, light blue, button down, smoke free $19.99 |
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LOT OF 2 RALPH LAUREN POLO BOYS SHORT SLEEVE COLLAR/BUTTON DOWN SHIRTS SIZE LG $18.99 |
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Plaid button down dress with embroidered dog detail size 18 months $5.00 |
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Thomas Dean Mens Green & Blue Long Sleeve Button Down Shirt M New NWT MSRP 99.50 $44.99 |
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Tommy Hilfiger Mens Red & White Long Sleeve Button Down Shirt XL Ligtly Used $19.99 |
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Sz S NEW YORK COMPANY Multicolor Stripe Short Sleeve Button Down Shirt – Stretch $5.00 |
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NWT Old Navy Airy Summer Sleeveless Half Button Down Blouse Sz L $9.99 |
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Sag Harbor black floral button down blouse size large $0.99 |
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CALVIN KLEIN Long Sleeve Button Down Shirt Men’s M modern fit $9.95 |
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Johnny Was Collection ; Rayon Button down Long Tunic M $95.00 |
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Johnny Was Collection ; Rayon Button down Long Tunic L $95.00 |
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AUTH BURBERRY Silver Metallic Gray Long Sleeve Button Down Collar Jacket Coat 6 $199.00 |
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Talbots Petites Multi Color Long Sleeve Striped Button Down Cardigan PS $15.99 |
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J. Jill Pale Purple 3/4 Sleeve Button Down Cardigan XS $15.99 |
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Coldwater Creek Blue Floral Pattern Long Sleeve Button Down Cardigan XL $15.99 |
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Harvé Benard Brown Long Sleeve Paisley Button Down Shirt XL $9.99 |
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Ladies’ LORRAINE Blue Button Down Robe sz Large 100% Polyester $7.50 |
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CHAPS sz XLTG Pink pinstripe long sleeve button down Shirt EUC $9.99 |
