Jade is VERY special in Chinese culture, as the Chinese saying goes "Gold has a value; jade is invaluable." . ...read more

Buttons come in such a variety of materials and subjects that it would be impossible to name them all. Here it can be said that materials go from A for aluminum to Z for zinc - and that includes such odd materials as bread dough, butterfly wings, chicken skin, hair and wax. Subjects cover just about anything imaginable and it would be easier to name the subjects not covered than to list those covered. This is a nearly perfect hobby, inasmuchas it represents examples of just about all materials and subjects man has chosen to collect. If your interest is in art, buttons are a kaleidoscope of nearly all the great periods and styles of art - from baroque to roccoco to art nouveau to art deco - with many modern periods thrown in. If you love jewelry, buttons of the 17th and 18th Centuries and the Victorian period sparkle. Indeed, buttons were a form of jewelry. Can you picture a gentleman at Versailles resplendent in his velvet or silk knee britches and waistcoat decorated with bright steel or pearl buttons catching the light of the candles? A cartoon of the day shows the ladies swooning at such a glorious sight. These buttons are definitely of museum quality. If you are a collector of militaria, buttons are an important part of history. The manufacture of military buttons has been thoroughly researched and excellent records are available for time of use. If you have another hobby - say collecting glass - you will find buttons to match your hobby. If you collect paperweights, a great selection of miniature paperweight buttons is available. If you collect art miniatures, the painting under glass found in buttons is a match for your treasures. Many stamp collectors have found buttons to pair with their stamps. Coin collectors can often find old coins which have been made into buttons. Most anything you can find in the world of antiques has been duplicated on buttons. Personally I have seen buttons made out of just about anything. I never got into collecting buttons however there are a great many people that bring in buttons for apprasials. It is interesting to see what people collect. The types I have seen that were just beautiful came off old Cherokee clothes and Chinese gowns. Gold, bone and ivory were materials used and the designs on them have been so intricate. A far cry form the common button of today. And back then they were considered common or everyday clothes. There are Local, State, and National Associations just for buttons and the Western Show is held in Nevada the first weekend in October. People come from all over the world to these conventions and share their collections in displays and lectures. Some sell, trade or barter for that perfect button they have been looking for. It is an amazing event to see. ...read more

Marble Boy Standing 18" tall, 6" wide and 8" deep he is beautiful. Weighing in "as extremely heavy" he is solid marble. Came from England in 1913 to the USA. Masonic Apron One of the oldest Masonic Aprons you will ever see. It belonged to the Brown family and from there was in the hands of the signing of the Declaration. The apron is silk and has all the symbols of the Masonic Society handpainted. It is old, beautiful and very charming. ...read more