Button, engraved white metal, Salamanca, 1865-1870

Although filigree buttons were the most typical, many countries used buttons made of sheet metal as well. Buttons were rarely sewn directly on to the clothing. This button comes from Salamanca. The men of Salamanca wore large flat buttons, like this, in rows on their waistcoats.

They could be round or octagonal in shape, and were decorated with chased or engraved flowers. Some were made of silver, but many, like this one, were brass or nickel. This button was bought for six shillings (for six) at the International Exhibition, London, 1872. White metal toggle button, consisting of a flat button, with an oval link and a bar of thick wire with a loop soldered in the centre. The button is made from a square sheet of metal, with the corners trimmed, engraved with a central stylised flower, and a plain border round the edge.