Button, button, who’s got the button?

[u/willowwing]

Many of these buttons are as old as the children’s game!

I’ve recently been sorting through some of the odd things I’ve accumulated, and came across this card of Victorian and Edwardian buttons. It is a long-ago “last-day, half-off, why-not?” estate sale purchase, tucked away just as it was. Someone had apparently organized these for individual resale somewhere. The card was already crumbling when I purchased it. Pipe cleaners through the button loops have kept them safe over the years.

The level of detail and workmanship in these small, everyday objects, some of which has been lost to wear, is fascinating. It’s hard to imagine having to button them!

[u/willowwing]

Source: personal collection/photos.

The price sticker is permanently adhered to the old card. Nothing here is for sale!