Button Collecting: Tips, Types, and a Vintage Estate Auction Find

It started with an online estate auction.

Most of the listings were practical... furniture, kitchenware, the occasional quilt. But then I spotted them: several cardboard boxes, simply labeled and with only a few scattered photos. Not much to go on.

The descriptions were vague, the pictures didn’t show much of what was inside, and yet… I had a hunch. I placed my bid. And when I was outbid, I raised the bar a little higher.

When I picked them up and brought them home, I realized my hunch had been right, and then some. Inside those mystery boxes was a veritable treasure trove: thousands of vintage and antique buttons from what was clearly the collection of a true button enthusiast. Shell, glass, bakelite, hand-painted porcelain, military crests, ornate brass shanks. Each one a tiny piece of history.

It was like opening a time capsule, only instead of letters or photos, it was filled with the bits and bobs that once held garments together.

The Allure of Button Collecting

Button collecting is one of those hobbies that’s both wonderfully specific and surprisingly broad. People collect for all kinds of reasons: the history, the artistry, the materials, or simply the joy of sorting and categorizing.

Buttons have been made in just about every material you can imagine: bone, wood, metal, shell, glass, celluloid, rubber, enamel. And each has its own story. They’ve been plain and utilitarian, or ornate and decorative, sometimes worth more than the garment they adorned.

Collectors often focus on certain categories:

• Antique buttons (generally 100+ years old)

• Military buttons (uniform insignias from various eras)

• Glass and porcelain buttons (painted, molded, or inlaid)

• Bakelite and early plastics (1930s–50s designs)

• Shell and mother-of-pearl (natural iridescence never goes out of style)

• Novelty buttons (shapes, animals, characters—especially mid-century examples)

Some collectors specialize even further, by maker, country, time period, or theme. Others are more magpie about it, drawn to anything that catches the eye. I'd fid into this category if I were a collector. I collect anything that brings me joy to have.

Why Buttons Are So Collectible

Buttons are like miniature art pieces. They combine design, material science, history, and function in a space the size of a coin. They’re easy to store, relatively affordable to start collecting, and endlessly varied.

And, unlike many antiques, they’ve survived in surprising numbers, often tucked away in sewing tins, mason jars, or old cigar boxes. Estate auctions, flea markets, and even thrift shops still yield remarkable finds, especially when you’re willing to dig.

My Favorite Finds from the Auction Haul

From those mystery boxes, a few standouts emerged:

I’ve spent hours coming through them and I'm still uncovering treasures. Most of them I've been slowing listing in the marketplace. I occasionally set pieces aside that spark joy.

Thinking About Starting a Button Collection?

If you’re just beginning, start small and follow your curiosity. Pay attention to:

• Material: Shell, bakelite, brass, glass, wood, fabric-covered.

• Age: Older buttons tend to have distinct backings, shanks, or markings.

• Design: Intricate or unusual motifs can be especially desirable.

• Condition: Chips, cracks, or missing paint can affect value (but not necessarily charm).

• Markings: Maker’s marks or back stamps can help identify origin and era.

And don’t overlook those unassuming boxes at auctions or swaps, quite clearly sometimes they’re treasure chests in disguise.

P.S. If you’re a fellow button collector, I’d love to hear what you look for and if you’ve ever had your own “mystery box” moment. Comment below and tell me about it.

🪡 Button Collecting: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What buttons are worth the most money?
A: Buttons made from rare or high-quality materials, such as antique silver, gold, ivory, or fine enamel, tend to have higher value. Military buttons from specific regiments, early 20th-century bakelite buttons, and rare Victorian glass buttons are also highly sought after. Rarity, condition, and provenance can significantly impact value.

Q: How can you tell if a button is antique?
A: Look at the materials, construction, and backings. Antique buttons often feature hand-carved or hand-painted designs, natural materials like shell or bone, and loop shanks made from brass or other metals. Check for maker’s marks or back stamps, which can help date and identify the button.

Q: Where is the best place to find collectible buttons?
A: Estate sales, flea markets, online auctions, antique shops, and sewing supply swaps are great sources. Often, the best finds come in mixed “button tins” or mystery boxes where you can sort and discover hidden gems.

Q: What is the difference between vintage and antique buttons?
A: Antique buttons are generally considered to be 100+ years old. Vintage buttons are usually from the early to mid-20th century, often prized for their unique materials, colors, and designs.

Q: Should I clean vintage or antique buttons?
A: Handle with care. Harsh cleaning can damage finishes or remove patina, which may lower value. Use a soft cloth to remove surface dust, and if deeper cleaning is needed, research the material type first or consult a collector’s guide.