Not currently on display at the V&A

Button Card

1910-1920 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Button card containing five 'simplex' brand buttons made of black plastic. The buttons are in two parts - a pierced black flat plate and a stud with shank. Directions printed on the card inform the user to pierce the fabric with a stiletto, insert the stud and then press the flat button onto the stud. The front of the card is printed with instructions for use and mottoes 'Once used Always Used', 'Will never come off', 'Insist on having them on your clothes' and 'Made in England'. The back advertises 'The Penny card'.


Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
Plastic and metal
Brief description
Button card containing five 'simplex' brand plastic buttons, made in England, 1910-1920
Physical description
Button card containing five 'simplex' brand buttons made of black plastic. The buttons are in two parts - a pierced black flat plate and a stud with shank. Directions printed on the card inform the user to pierce the fabric with a stiletto, insert the stud and then press the flat button onto the stud. The front of the card is printed with instructions for use and mottoes 'Once used Always Used', 'Will never come off', 'Insist on having them on your clothes' and 'Made in England'. The back advertises 'The Penny card'.
Dimensions
  • Card size length: 4in
  • Card size width: 2.75in
  • Card size length: 10cm
  • Card size width: 7cm
  • Button diameter: 0.625in
  • Button diameter: 1.5cm
  • Stud head diameter: 0.375in
  • Stud head diameter: 1cm
Marks and inscriptions
  • 'Once used Always Used' (Printed on the front in black on pale blue)
  • 'Will never come off' (Printed on the front in black on pale blue)
  • 'Insist on having them on your clothes' (Printed on the front in black on pale blue)
  • 'Made in England' (Printed on the front in black on pale blue)
  • 'The Penny card of 'Simplex' Buttons (covered backs)' (On the back)
  • '... buttons can be put on by anyone without ... machine and in a tenth the time taken (with other buttons) ... For Bachelors, Travellers and everybody' (On the back)
Credit line
Given by Miss Jane Gregory
Object history
Registered File number 1986/350. Part of a collection of threads and sewing accessories used by the aunt of the donor.
Collection
Accession number
T.59-1986

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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