A true tour de force of the use of pastes in buttons. This fine example is of large size at 1 1/4", and features a sprig of flowers in a circlet mounted on cobalt glass. Visible beneath the glass is guillochet worked metal. The back of the button is either silver or a base metal.

In excellent condition with no issues...

A large gin bari button depicting flowers against a green background, the whole with a silver surround and backing. Uncommon hexagonal shape. Excellent condition with no issues, and any apparent imperfections are due to reflections in the photo. The diameter is 1 1/4".

NOTES:
1...

A very fine Wedgwood jasperware button showing three women in classical garb with a child astride a sheep. Uncommon for both the scene and the dark blue ground color, rather than the usual Wedgwood blue...

An very fine Wedgwood jasperware button showing a classical figure holding an apple, with a cherub reaching for it. Dating from the 4th quarter of the 18th century, the button is incised "WEDGWOOD" and "63" and the later mount is hallmarked. Excellent condition with no issues of note, and of very large size at 1 11/16"...

An extremely nice Wedgwood jasperware button depicting Andromache weeping over the ashes of Hector. Dating from the 4th quarter of the 18th century, the button is incised "WEDGWOOD" and the later mount is hallmarked as silver.

Excellent condition with no issues of note, and of very large size at 1 5/8". The metal surround is not lopsided as shown in the photo, which was taken at a slight angle.

PLEASE NOTE: We collected buttons for many years, but have decided to sell our collection...

A beautifully worked c1890 Japanese repousse tri-color silver button showing an ornate lotus blossom and foliage. Japanese hallmark on the reverse.  1 1/4" diameter and in excellent condition.   

An important French button of very large size at 1 1/2". The scene, which is handpainted on paper and under glass, shows the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. At the top of the scene is a banner saying "le Despotisme abatu" (despotism demolished). In addition to the people attacking in the foreground, there are figures rejoicing on the ramparts. Encased in a copper rim and backing.

The condition is excellent, with no issues...

A very interesting and charming 1" enameled button showing a young woman with a basket of flowers looking at a butterfly that is about to alight on her hand. The scene is surrounded by an inner brass border. Between that border and the outer one are enameled sections with flowers. The condition is excellent with no problems.

An extremely fine hallmarked 18K gold button featuring a watercolor painting on natural wafer, under glass. Black enamel surrounds the vignette. The scene is very charming, depicting two figures dressed in 18th c attire, appearing to be a man and woman. However, upon closer examination, one notices that the faces and body form are those of children. It seems that the artist was attempting to capture the first blush of young courtship, hence the shy downcast look of the maiden...

A fine example of a plique-a-jour button, all of which are uncommon (see Note 1, below), featuring translucent greenish-blue enamel in a gold metal surround and cells. Excellent condition with no issues. The color of the enamel is actually deeper than shown in the main photo. The diameter is 13/16".

NOTES: 1...

A beautifully limned still life of flowers on a table. Done in oil on copper, with a silvered back. Excellent condition with no issues. Quite large, with a diameter of 1 1/2".

PLEASE NOTE: We collected buttons for many years, but have decided to sell our collection. The buttons shown on our site represent but a small sample on what we have, so please do not hesitate to ask if you are looking for a particular type.

A large and beautiful gin bari button showing lotus flowers against a purple background, the whole with a silver surround and backing. Uncommon scalloped shape. Excellent condition with no issues, and any apparent imperfections are due to reflections in the photo. The diameter is 1 1/4"...

A large gin bari cloisonne button depicting three snowy egrets against a background with shades of green, the whole with a silver surround and backing. When viewed from the side, the button has an intentionally undulating shape, making it highly unusual. The side is hallmarked and there appear to be other markings. Excellent condition with no issues, and any apparent imperfections are due to reflections in the photo. The diameter is 1 3/8".

NOTES:
1. Buttons of this type, a pure Japa...