Friday, December 28, 2012

Christmas Buttons and a Fab Friday Find


Did everyone have a fabulous Christmas?  I've been quite spoiled, with lots and lots of gifts, all of which were fantastic and one being particularly spectacular.  If you haven't yet figured it out, it's the item showcased above.  How awesome?  Very. 

The killer gift from Nigel this year was an antique box set of buttons, buckle and hatpins, purchased through my favourite antique dealer, Frank - who found this through an estate sale and kept it especially for Nigel to purchase for me for Christmas.  Thanks to both of you! 


Frank's opinion was that the set was from the late 1800's, but I initially thought 1920's - my notion was based solely on the bright azure/turquoise of the enamel on the buckle.


Having studied it a little longer, I'm inclined to think it's Edwardian, as belts were very popular.  Remember the cinched waist of the time? 


The mother-of-pearl buttons are quite fine and delicate and come with their own "keepers", small rings to attach the buttons to clothes without having to sew them on.   At the time buttons would have been removed from a fine garment before it was laundered - these buttons, being small and removable were probably intended for a blouse.


The two hatpins are also mother-of-pearl.  The tops are attached to the pins in an articulated manner, allowing movement when the wearer turned her head.

The entire set is quite perfect and I feel very privileged to be its "keeper" for the next generation of button collectors.

Nigel wasn't the only person to gift me with buttons this season, my friend Betsy sent a parcel with much loveliness, including many celluloid buttons on tiny cards, this Glow Bubble Celluloid made me laugh:


the seller tagged it as a Glow Buble.  Funny.

And what of the :::Fab Friday Find::: mentioned in my post title?

Well, deary, deary!  I really didn't need another thing after receiving so many goodies at Christmas, but I was out and about today and stopped in at Things on Corydon Avenue and this necklace caught my eye:


I knew it was Victorian cut steel when I cast my eye upon it, and on flipping it over, could see that it was one half of a huge,old cloak clasp.  Someone had strung a sterling chain through it and called it a necklace.


It will take its place of honour in the button collection.

I was going to link to a Michael Buble video, but I didn't like any of them.  Someone needs to tell that man to sing about celluloid buttons.

2 comments:

Nigel said...

Glad that you liked Frank's gift. I was doubtful, but I guess he does know you better than I do.

martiangirl said...

ah yes, my memory isn't that great and it was a long time ago, but I do remember back in Edwardian times they liked belts.