Silver buttons were an important element of traditional dress in Germany in the 19th century. Most were worn by men, but in a few places in northern Germany women also wore them. Women’s buttons tend to be larger and more decorative than those worn by men. They were mainly worn along the sleeves of the outer jacket, from the cuff to the elbow.

This button comes from the Altes Land, and is one of a set of 12, worn six on each cuff. Buttons like this, made entirely of filigree, were the most expensive type of button. At times of mourning, they were replaced by half-filigree buttons, as full filigree was considered too decorative and ostentatious for wear with mourning dress.

It is similar in appearance to buttons from other countries around the North Sea, particularly the island of Föhr, but the starfish pattern, made from tiny triangles of sheet silver applied to the filigree front, is typical of buttons from the Altes Land. Buttons of this design are rarely marked.