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By: Ikedi Ani-okoye.

Buttons History

Button-like objects have been found in the Indus Valley of ancient Pakistan and date back to around 2000 B.C.E. These were not used for fasteners, but for ornaments. Before they were used for fastening, pins, leather lacing and belts were used to secure clothing.

Before buttons could be used as fasteners, the button hole had to be devised. Evidence dates the first button and button hole closure systems to the 13th century in Germany. This may have been a solution to the problem of how to secure clothing that was becoming more and more form-fitting, without having to resort to sharp pins.

Novelty Buttons

Throughout the history of buttons, novelty buttons has represented a variety of themes. The themes are as varied as the human imagination itself; the makers use their ingenuity and create button magic! Most of the novelty buttons are inspired by nature – buttons shaped as animals, insects, leaves, flowers and sea-life – can really animate apparel. Another popular theme is holiday. Nothing puts you in the holiday mood more than clothes that remind you of the season.

Novelty buttons fashioned after Santa Claus, Christmas trees, bells, stars and angels perfectly complement one’s new Christmas wear. Similarly buttons shaped as pumpkins bring out the Halloween chills. Professionals also have their share of button fun. Novelty buttons based on different professions are quite popular. Musicians can wear their guitars everywhere and doctors can wear little stethoscopes on their shirts. There are several instances where novelty buttons have been used to voice opinions; novelty buttons with catchy slogans can say it like nothing else can.

Custom made buttons

Buttons can be custom-made to match the color and type of our garments. Not only this, but for your hand-knitted winter wear you can order handmade and hand-polished custom buttons. If you have a passion for sewing, custom buttons are the thing for you. You can get buttons tailor-made to suit your sewing designs and patterns.

And if quilting is the thing for you, you can get buttons based on a certain theme specially made for your quilts. In addition to clothing you can order special buttons to embellish your bags, hats, shoes and other accessories. Custom-made buttons can also come in handy for scrap-booking and card-making.

CONCLUSION

Buttons are perhaps the most popular antique collectible. Buttons date back to ancient Egypt and China. But most antique buttons are from Europe and are not more than 200 years old. In fact, the period from 1830 to 1850 has been labeled as the Golden Age of buttons. Victorian buttons are an antique collector’s delight. The black ‘jet’ buttons worn by the Queen while she was mourning the death of her husband are extremely rare and valuable.