Button

Date1790-1810

MediumCopper alloy, gilded

DimensionsDiam: 1 3/8"

Credit LineGift of Beatrix T. Rumford

Object number1990-78

DescriptionRound button with stamped decoration consisting of a central urn, with pendant swags of flowers and leaves issuing from a bowknot at the top. Edge decoration of evenly-spaced dots. Metal loop shank.Label TextMen’s suit coats had numerous buttons, some for fastening the coat closed, but most for decoration. Some coats had as many as thirty buttons down the coat front, on the cuffs, on or beneath the pocket flaps, and on the pleats at the rear of the coat. Suit buttons came in a wide variety of materials and styles to achieve a glittering, rich effect. Women used fewer buttons, except on man-tailored jackets, such as riding habits, because their clothing was usually pinned or laced closed.ProvenanceUsed in the family of Miss Beatrix Rumford.