This is a reproduction of a late 18th Century Celtic Swirl button, also known as a Rope Star button, as the button features a decorative star with a roped edge design.
- Diameter: approx. 2cm
- Lead-free pewter
A popular civilian button from the mid to late 18th Century. Sleeve buttons were used on the wristband of shirts and shifts from the early 18th to the early 19th century, and people of all economic standing wore sleeve buttons. Sleeve buttons were issued to soldiers of many military regiments including the 17th of Foot in 1776 and the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment in 1778. It is difficult to make a generalized statements about sleeve buttons, but one general rule that can be said is there were a great variety of sleeve buttons sold and worn. Cuff links are often confused with sleeve buttons, but they are structurally different and the term, cuff links, starts use around the 1860s.
This button comes backed onto a card featuring watercolour artwork by artist Jean-Etienne Liotard. The original painting, titled, "Chocolate Girl" is said to be a portrait of an Austrian princess in 17th-century dress.