2009 Record shot by L. Baumgarten. Button.

Images(2)

Button

Date1785-1800

OriginEngland, Birmingham or Sheffield

MediumFused silverplate ("Sheffield" plate)

DimensionsDiam: 1 3/16"

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Graham S. Hood

Object number1990-247

DescriptionMan's round coat button, engraved with "GH" cyper on the face. Button made of fused silverplate. Cast metal shank on the back side for fastening button to clothing.
Label TextMen’s suit coats had numerous buttons, some for fastening the coat closed, but most for decoration. Some coats had as many as thirty buttons down the coat front, on the cuffs, on or beneath the pocket flaps, and on the pleats at the rear of the coat. Suit buttons came in a wide variety of materials and styles to achieve a glittering, rich effect. Women used fewer buttons, except on man-tailored jackets, such as riding habits, because their clothing was usually pinned or laced closed.

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