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ONE OF THE TOP 5 RARITIES IN THE AUCTION

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 3,000.00 USD
ONE OF THE TOP 5 RARITIES IN THE AUCTION
2 Ex-Lg 19th C. Oval photograph buttons of Tom Thumb's wedding. An amazing discovery was found recently when a husband and wife button collector team in Florida were invited to a home to purchase antiques that the owner was selling. The couple was welcomed in and as they were discussing what was available, the owner informed them that there were also some buttons for sale. Imagine their shock and surprise as the seller did not know that they were button collectors! Certainly, they were excited to hear that there was a button collection available to purchase, but little did they know that they would discover something extremely historical and unusual. In going through the buttons, they discovered this pair of extra-large oval photographic buttons. These are set under glass in an ornate sterling silver frame with a pierced twisted rope border and a bar back and loop shank. Upon first glance, they may have just been simply photographic buttons; however, upon closer examination, it was discovered that these were photograph buttons of Tom Thumb and his wedding party. These magnificent and rare button examples are believed to be the only existing examples. One shows Tom Thumb and his bride and the other pictures their best man and maid of honor. The last time the pair was sold was in 1943 by the dealer/collector/author and past NBS President Erwina Couse for the grand sum of $50 for the pair. Paperwork and history of these buttons was included with the purchase and are included with the winning bid in this auction as well..

DimensionsSM=Less than 3/4", Medium=3/4" to 1 1/4". Large=1 1/4" and above, extra large=1 3/4" and above
Date or EraDIVISION 1=PRE 1918 AND DIVISION 3 IS AFTER 1918
ConditionNOTE: These buttons are antiques and may show age-related wear; we describe any significant condition concerns but they are not new. We cannot be responsible for replaced shanks or issues with the backs of buttons on multi-button cards since we do not remove or re‑card them; please contact us for further condition reports on any lot.