Tudor-Style Geometric Star and Floral Silver Button
Jewelry (Button/Fastener) · Unidentified artisan; possibly a provincial silversmith or specialized button maker. This piece lacks a primary maker's mark on the face, common for small personal fastenings of the era.
Pattern: Geometric Rosette with Star of David/Hexagram motif; non-commercial cataloged pattern, likely a traditional regional folk or heraldic design.
Type
Jewelry (Button/Fastener)
Maker
Unidentified artisan; possibly a provincial silversmith or specialized button maker. This piece lacks a primary maker's mark on the face, common for small personal fastenings of the era.
Material
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade continental silver (.800-.900). The dark oxidation in the recessed areas is characteristic of silver sulfide (tarnish) on a solid silver base rather than silver plate.
Dimensions
Approximately 15-18mm in diameter (comparable to a modern dime or small shirt button). Estimated weight: 2.0 - 4.0 grams.
Description
A charming and tactile silver button featuring a complex geometric motif. The face displays a central hexagram or 'Creator's Star' filled with stippled dots, framed by six rounded floral petals. The outer border is decorated with radiating lines (hatching), giving the piece a sunburst effect. This item represents the transition between traditional folk art fastenings and the refined aesthetic of the Victorian era.
Key Features
Symmetrical six-fold geometry; heavy oxidation providing high visual contrast; raised 'containment' rim; hand-finished textural details in the recesses.
Material & Composition
Likely Sterling Silver (.925) or high-grade continental silver (.800-.900). The dark oxidation in the recessed areas is characteristic of silver sulfide (tarnish) on a solid silver base rather than silver plate.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized antique finish with relief casting. The decoration features a central six-pointed star (hexagram) surrounded by stylized petals and radiating linear hatch marks, creating a compass-like or floral aesthetic. The style is Medieval/Tudor Revival.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks are visible on the face. Hallmarks on buttons of this size and age are typically found on the reverse side (the backplate) or the shank (the loop). Expected marks would be a small purity stamp or a maker's initial.
Construction Details
Cast construction. The depth of the relief suggests the 'lost wax' casting method or a stone mold. The raised rim is integrated into the cast rather than applied.
Functional Features
Fastening mechanism; would originally have featured a wire loop (shank) on the reverse for sewing onto a heavy wool or silk garment.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a button; the 'grip' would be the recessed border allowing a finger to push it through a buttonhole.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality relief work. The symmetry is excellent, and the use of 'hatching' (lines) to create shade and texture shows a sophisticated understanding of how light interacts with polished silver.
Authentication Indicators
Color of oxidation is consistent with silver; unevenness in the central dots suggests hand-punching rather than modern laser precision; wear matches the age of the piece.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely English or Northern European. The geometric rosette is a common motif in British and Scandinavian silver buttons from the late 19th-century Arts & Crafts transition.
Era & Period
Tudor Revival or late Victorian (c. 1880-1910). While the design mimics 16th-century styles, the precision of the outer circular rim suggests a later production period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1920. The wear patterns and the specific style of the 'stippled' center dots are consistent with late 19th-century revivalist jewelry.
Cultural Significance
Represents the historical importance of 'Draughtsman' patterns in metalwork, where sacred geometry was used to protect the wearer or signal status and religious affiliation.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition. Moderate surface wear to the high points of the design. Heavy tarnish in the recesses (which is desirable for highlighting the pattern). Minor 'skelp' or nick on the 10 o'clock position of the rim.
Value Estimate
$25 - $65 USD. Value depends heavily on whether the shank (the loop on the back) is intact and if a full set of matching buttons exists.
Care & Maintenance
Conservation-led cleaning only. Use a soft silver cloth on the high points but avoid chemical dips that would strip the dark oxidation from the recesses, as this would destroy the visual depth of the pattern.
Similar Pieces
Victorian 'Picture' buttons often featured scenes; this piece differs by using 'Geometric' or 'Heraldic' motifs which are generally older in design language.
Interesting Facts
Buttons were once a major indicator of wealth; in the 17th and 18th centuries, a set of silver buttons could be worth as much as a small horse, often being cut off old coats to be sewn onto new ones.