Antique and vintage buttons have history, heritage and auction values that may surprise you.
A huge collection of buttons from a country house in Turin, Italy, will be offered in Hansons’ March 17-22 Antiques and Collectors Auction and could make in excess of £1,000.
Split between 12 lots, they date from Victorian times through to the 1950s and include Italian, French and English examples. One lot, an exquisite mixture of buttons in every shape and size, has an estimate of £180-£190 while another filled with army and Navy-themed buttons is guided at £160-£180.
But there are cheaper options, too ,with prices starting from as little as £30 for one lot which even includes some Italian curtain rings.
The items were uncovered by the vendor at a relative’s empty house in Italy. The buttons were among a large collection of Italian Victorian clothing and textiles. Many of the items were sold by Hansons in 2020. Bodices, evening dresses, blouses, mourning clothes, shawls, long gloves and full-length robes achieved excellent results.
Now it’s the buttons’ turn to shine and Notty Hornblower, Hansons’ vintage clothing consultant at and owner of Derbyshire’s Hope House Costume Museum, expects strong interest. The buttons are due to be sold on February 21. Catalogue due live February 11/12 at www.hansonslive.co.uk and www.the-saleroom.com.
Free textile & clothing valuations with Notty Hornblower
Notty Hornblower will be offering free valuations of textiles and clothing on February 18, 10am-4pm, at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire. To book an appointment with Notty, or any of our valuers, please email [email protected] or call 01283 733988.
