If you’re as bright as a button you’ll know pretty much anything and everything is collectible and can become valuable.
But what fascinates people can still surprise us. Things like stamps, pottery and coins are fairly standard collectors’ fodder but what about buttons?
You’re right on the button – forgive the pun – if you realise these tiny treasures can be important in the auction world. An enormous single-owner collection of around 20,000 buttons has rolled into Hansons Auctioneers’ Derbyshire saleroom and they’re glorious. Not only that, they’re valuable. Together, they could sew up results in the region of £18,000-£20,000.
Each one has a place in history. They are military, shipping line, railway, livery and company buttons spanning hundreds of years from the 18th to mid-20th centuries. They come to auction housed in a tall, custom-fitted haberdashery cabinet and chest of drawers. Each drawer holds numbered trays which correspond with information in accompanying binders.
As far as historical button collections go it’s perfection, and we have one man to thank for this treasure trove, Philip Walter Lavender. Born in Bordesley Green East, Birmingham, in 1944 he developed a passionate interest in the humble button and its place in history.
Just for the record, the Indus Valley Civilisation are credited with the invention of the button. The earliest one in existence, made from a curved shell, dates from around 2000BCE. Before the button’s arrival in medieval Europe, garments were laced together or fastened with brooches or clasps. When buttonholes were invented in the 13th century it changed everything. In fact, buttons became so prominent laws were passed limiting their use!
Because they have been with us so long, buttons have been made from almost every possible material, both natural and synthetic. Consequently, they represent a timeline of materials technology. Add to that their historical significance in terms of fashion and uniforms through the centuries and you may have an inkling of why buttons enthralled Philip.
The precision and accuracy of his collection, amassed over four decades, is a testimony to his tireless dedication. Once his passion was ignited, he went to great lengths to source and research the history behind every button, and carefully documented each one.
His obsession began quite by chance. Philip left Saltley Grammar School at the age of 16 to work as a laboratory assistant for A.E. Tucker, Public Analysts in Birmingham. At 18 he started a new job in his home city at International Nickel Company and, in the evenings, studied to become a metallurgist. That job involves developing metal items and structures ranging from tiny precision-made components to huge engineering parts.
In 1970 he moved to South Wales and became chief metallurgist at Dialoy Ltd, Caerphilly. But Philip liked to keep busy and, in the evenings, volunteered as a special constable in the South Wales Special Constabulary. His uniform included a night cape which he liked so much his family arranged for a similar cape to be made for social occasions.
The cape sparked the need for adornments. Another job move led to frequent travel round the south of the UK – and the freedom to search for just the thing. When Philip was on the road he scoured antique shops in search of the perfect decorative fastening to complete his cape. At last, a facing pair of collar badges caught his eye. A chain was fixed between them and the cape was complete. The button passion had begun.
Whenever he went into antique shops he was handed dishes or small boxes containing a multitude of different uniform buttons. He become fascinated by them and what they represented. Every time he returned from his travels he’d acquired few more. He began researching what the buttons represented, meticulously documenting each one via a card index system.
This was just the start of his obsession with all types of uniform buttons, police, airlines, the forces and more. He spent countless hours searching for buttons at antique fairs, military shops and antique warehouses to increase his collection. It grew and grew, along with his obsession. He was driven by the thrill of the hunt for a button he did not have.
Sadly, Philip passed away in 2022 at the age of 77. He left behind one of the most impressive button collections ever seen at Hansons. It’s so vast it will be sold in stages over 18 months in the firm’s Medal and Militaria sales. It’s sure to attract attention from the British Button Society and National Button Society. Philip was far from alone in his button passion.
The first part of Philip’s button collection will be offered in Hansons’ November 13 Medals and Militaria Auction. To arrange a valuation of militaria, antiques, jewellery or entire collections, email [email protected] or call 01283 733988.
