what are these button things called? date?

Through some dilligent digging ending in black hands, I made a nice score of all these button/fastener things, although they weren't exactily cheap, I love them.

They un-hook from their chains, I suspect some are bakelite but haven't tested any, they have metal shanks (I think that's what they are called) on the back for attachment.

Some I couldn't find their partner, but that's OK I plan on making necklaces with most anyway. There are also a few just buttons I couldn't resist pictured also. Most are tarnished, some pretty bad, but I like the look and will probably leave them that way.

I just LOVE the ones towards the top of the first few photos, kind of a Victorian/Steampunk look to them

 

I am no help whatsoever, but wanted to say those are awesome! Looking forward to learning more about them.

 

Oooooooooohhhhhh, wow. LOVE those!! I see them on fur pieces a lot, though I've never had any so fantastic!

Ang

 

At first, I was thinking they looked like buckles, but buckle halves typically hook together ("invisibly", to make a "whole"), and here chain or other metal findings separate the "halves".

Cloak clasps, maybe?

(And I agree with Deborah, they are SO cool!)

 

I agree with Carrie: they're for fastening cloaks or capes. You've got some beauties there.

Nicole

 

Wow...those are wonderful! Great find!

I am looking for what they were called when they were used, but they reminded me of this image that I saw today:




so, could they be called fastener clasps? Do they clasp?

 

Whenever I've had them they were by themselves as one set, at the throat or a little lower on a cloak or fur stole of sorts. I don't think in the early part of the century they would have been using several of the same to close up a jacket or sweater....likely they were the one show piece on a solid fur or wool cloak/cape/capelet.

Dont know if they have a specific name.

Ang

 

Thanks for the responses, you all should have seen the pile I was digging through, tons of stunning buttons and parts. A real button collectors dream, but I knew buttons would sit unused in a pile. I do regret not getting more, but am so happy with these. I think they'll make stunning jewelry.
I don't think any of the stones are real and doubt there are precious metals on any, exept one chain has tarnished like sterling. They are pretty good size also, for example, each part of the top piece is a good 2"

does anyone have an idea of age? some have a deco look and others look older.
I fished around for a name for these things and couldn't find one either :clueless:

 

Yowza! Those are awesome.

Fur Clips - Cloak Clips or clasps. I'd hazard a guess they're 20s to 30s, but I'm sure someone more knowledgeable will be along.

Let us know when you list some. I'd love to see...

 

Oh! I just noticed you have a "set".


(Sorry for the snatch & the bad editing.)

Any way the 2 'button' thangs are shoe clips?

 

no they are just buttons

 

Those are awesome!! I'm slightly (okay very) jealous! Wonderful find...definitely worth digging for!

 

Beautiful clasps! I can't wait to see what you do with them.

 

I think the proper (or traditional) name is 'cloak clasp'....great collection! And they're 20s and 30s.

 

Right - You have some great cloak clasp sets. As a recent convert to buttons, I'm wondering what got away! What fun to retrieve these.

 

Ask erin at [email protected] and use my name. She really should be a member. Claire

 

Found this one-page feature on cloak clasps in "Popular Jewelry: 1840-1940" by Roseann Ettinger:



Says they began becoming fashionable around 1860. If there's any text there that you're interested in but can't make out, let me know and I'll type it out for. Heading downstairs for breakfast now ...