Livre - Discovering old buttons

About this book When a three-piece metal meets a small china and two Paris backs, their owners are probably button collectors. Button collecting has been an American hobby for forty years and is organised along the lines of philately. In Britain interest is more recent, but growing. However, as it is still a minority pursuit, there is plenty of scope for new enthusiasts, particularly children, who are often fascinated by buttons. Many magnificent buttons were produced during the eighteenth century, but the period from 1870 to 1920 produced the widest range still fairly easily available, because of the fashions of the time. This book outlines button history and then describes those types which the average collector is most likely to encounter, arranged according to the materials from which they were made. Military and other uniform buttons are not discussed. Collectors are advised to regard buttons as primarily an interesting and enjoyable hobby and to be very circumspect before investing heavily with non-specialists or general dealers. Much additional information is available in the books listed in the bibliography and the best start is probably Great Aunt Maud’s button tin. About the author Primrose Peacock founded Old Buttons (UK) in 1968 as a sideline to her antique export business. She now lives on her wits and fresh vegetables with a cat and hens on Sedgemoor, engaged in whatever happens to be available and interesting at the moment. Currently this is twine merchandising, horticulture and antique tiles, in addition to buttons. Her hobbies are travel, eccentricities and keeping her private life private! She has written How to Deal in Antiques (James Pike), Buttons for the Collector (David & Charles), two papers for the Costume Society and a textbook on shoemaking. About the illustrator Rosemary Godsell is married with one son and lives in Bristol. She is a keen button collector and member of a group which raises funds for charity through button sales. This book could not have been produced without her voluntary assistance with the illustrations.