an interesting button

[OutBack Duo]

I have never seen a button like this. It is the size of a dime, concave and has a shadow box scene in it. Any information would be appreciated.

OBD

 

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[OutBack Duo]

some more pictures

 

[PBK]

Neat find, OBD!

It's what's called a "story button." The scene depicted is described in Hughes & Lester's The Big Book of Buttons as, "Merlin the Magician at the Cottage Door of the Ploughman" and is taken from the story of Tom Thumb.

I don't know how old the button is, but c. 1900 probably wouldn't miss it by much.

It was listed at $15 in good or better condition when the book was published in 1981.

 

[Evolution]

Wow. $15 in good condition in 1981. Probably worth a little more now. Cool find.

 

[OutBack Duo]

Thanks PBK, I never heard of such a thing and as always very impressed with your ability and knowledge.

 

[OutBack Duo]

would this button be worn on a garment or would it be displayed some other way?

 

[PBK]

Fairy-tale "story buttons" were most often worn on children's clothing. However, there were also buttons for ladies' clothing featuring scenes from classical mythology, famous plays and operas, and other works of literature.

In some cases, single buttons were used as decorations rather than functional buttons, both on articles of clothing and various accessories.