Button, Remmelt van der Wolde, Meppel, ca. 1800

From the 17th century onwards, Dutch men wore dozens of silver buttons to demonstrate their wealth and status. The most popular kinds were round silver filigree buttons, and flat pictorial buttons. The designs on pictorial buttons were those of most interest to their owners: rural and seafaring scenes, bible stories, patriotic symbols, and horsemen. Many were based on the designs of 17th century coins, but the same patterns continued to be used well into the 20th century.

Small circular and octagonal buttons with an engraved picture of a horseman are characteristic of Drenthe and Friesland in the north of the Netherlands. They are colloquially known as ‘ruiters’ or ‘ruitertjes’ (riders). They are now considered typical of the town of Staphorst, where they are still worn with traditional costume (and where modern versions are still being made). This button has the mark of Remmelt van der Wolde on its back. He worked in Meppel from 1762 to 1811.

Flat octagonal button with D-section loop shank. Engraved design of a rider, facing right, on the front, within a double frame.