BUTTON

A post medieval gold button dating to the 16th century. This button is decoratively made to resemble a Tudor rose. The rose is constructed from five different elements forming four concentric roses that decrease in size that are stacked on top of each other with a central rounded knop. Each of the roses has five heart-shaped petals and the largest, outer rose has five pointed calyxs, one in between each of the petals. On the edges of all the petals and the calyxs there is a piece of filigree resembling twisted rope forming a border. There is no other decoration except on the calyxs which also have a piece of filigree forming a small scroll in the centre. There is a little damage in the form of small holes on three of the petals of the second largest rose. The shape of some of the petals of the largest rose is slightly distorted. On the reverse of the button there is a circular shank for attachment. The shank is constructed from a piece of wire and soldered into place. This has been bent out of alignment so that it now lies flat against the back of the button.

The filigree decoration is similar to that on the ball-headed pins and the trefoil-shaped hooked tags of the 16th century (Read 2005:122). Hazel Forsyth (pers comm) agrees with a 16th century date and suggests this button may have been used to ornament a hat or sleeves.

As the button is greater than 300 years old and is more than 10% gold it fulfils the requirements of the Treasure Act 1996.

Dimensions: thickness: 7.44mm; diameter: 18.67mm; weight: 2.03g.

Reference: Read, B. 2005. Metal Buttons C.900BC - AD1700. Portcullis Publishing, Langport, Somerset.