Button
19th century (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
Men throughout Europe wore silver buttons with their traditional costume in the 19th century. Although filigree buttons were the most typical, many countries used buttons made of sheet metal as well. Most European cultures disapproved of male jewellery, but buttons allowed men to show off their wealth and status. They wore them in extravagant numbers, on sleeves and trousers as well as jackets and waistcoats.
Hollow spherical buttons like these were worn by men throughout Central Europe, from Poland to the northern Balkans. They were mainly worn to fasten the waistcoat or jacket. The spiral grooves running vertically down these buttons are typical of Hungary, but Hungarian buttons do not have toggle fastenings. They probably come from Croatia, which was part of the Hungarian kingdom in the 19th century.
Hollow spherical buttons like these were worn by men throughout Central Europe, from Poland to the northern Balkans. They were mainly worn to fasten the waistcoat or jacket. The spiral grooves running vertically down these buttons are typical of Hungary, but Hungarian buttons do not have toggle fastenings. They probably come from Croatia, which was part of the Hungarian kingdom in the 19th century.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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Materials and techniques | Repoussé silver |
Brief description | Pair of ovoid silver toggle buttons with spiral grooves, Dalmatia (Croatia), 19th century. |
Physical description | Pair of hollow ovoid toggle buttons, with vertical spiral grooves round the body, and a repoussé rosette at the top. Waisted oval link and crossover bar. |
Dimensions |
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Credit line | Given by B. H. Jackson |
Production | Worn by men |
Summary | Men throughout Europe wore silver buttons with their traditional costume in the 19th century. Although filigree buttons were the most typical, many countries used buttons made of sheet metal as well. Most European cultures disapproved of male jewellery, but buttons allowed men to show off their wealth and status. They wore them in extravagant numbers, on sleeves and trousers as well as jackets and waistcoats. Hollow spherical buttons like these were worn by men throughout Central Europe, from Poland to the northern Balkans. They were mainly worn to fasten the waistcoat or jacket. The spiral grooves running vertically down these buttons are typical of Hungary, but Hungarian buttons do not have toggle fastenings. They probably come from Croatia, which was part of the Hungarian kingdom in the 19th century. |
Collection | |
Accession number | CIRC.38&A-1951 |
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Record created | April 15, 2003 |
Record URL |
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