Cut Steel Buttons?

[Bugbear]

I am not aware of cut steel buttons being made in other than round shapes, but please don't think that "traditional diamond shape" buttons are de rigueur! Round buttons are just as traditional, as are buttons of various shapes such as salmon, pine cones, oak leaves, seals, etc.

You know... This is an exelent reason to have the eyelets for removable buttons put on a formal jacket.

Though the buttons I would like to start with are a certain design, I could get a different set later on.

As far as silver plating, it may be that I need to go that way to get the buttons I want, and the cantle for that matter. I don't mind that so much.


I don't really like the diamond shaped buttons in the first place...

[Bugbear]

For the fun of it, I just took a piece of steel out in the work shop, and brought it to a glassy-smooth finish. I have know idea what it looks like, but it reminded me of something. When I was a kid, I had a steel gear that came out of a car or something. On one side there were teeth in a conical shape, and the other side was half round and very polished. I seem to remember that being a very nice finish that was clearly not the same as stainless steel or chrome; it reflected colors differently.

[Bugbear]

I'm glad you started this discussion about buttons, Ted. I've really come to dislike the overly shiney look of chrome... it just doesn't seem to fit with the textures of fine wool and I want to replace the buttons on my PC coatee. The best way I've found to describe what I'm looking for is that I want buttons (and a cantle) with "high lustre", but not "shine."
I noticed on the "Military Metalwork" link, that their cut steel buttons are plated with Rhodium to prevent rust so I wonder if that effects their glitter-factor? I had been resigned to saving up for Sterling Silver, but I'm wondering if anyone makes cut steel buttons in the traditional diamond shape.

I found something for you while looking through my collection of button links.
Scottish Jewelry at The Harp and Dragon
Partway down the page, there are silver plated square and diamond shaped lion and thisel buttons.

Hope that helps.

It looks like they have the small sizes, too, like what would be on Argyle pockets and sleeves... perhaps epauletts.

If you're like me, you're planning quite a while ahead and trying to figure out exactly what it is you want.

[Phil]

I don't have any cut steel buttons but here are photos of silver buttons on two of my jackets -
these ones I had made up specially



and these were supplied by the tailor

[KFCarter]

If you're like me, you're planning quite a while ahead and trying to figure out exactly what it is you want.

Oh, yes...lot's of planning. It was actually years of lurking, reading and planning and saving before I started my recent kilt buying "binge." Nothing random.

And thanks for the link. Those buttons are definitely worth looking into and don't cost an arm and a leg.

I don't have any cut steel buttons but here are photos of silver buttons on two of my jackets -
these ones I had made up specially

This one is especially nice. Where did you have it made?

[Phil]

This one is especially nice. Where did you have it made?

At this place - http://www.centaurdesign.co.uk/ - it is a small craft business in the grounds of Traquair House near Innerleithen - a nice day out from Edinburgh.

[KFCarter]

At this place - http://www.centaurdesign.co.uk/ - it is a small craft business in the grounds of Traquair House near Innerleithen - a nice day out from Edinburgh.

Traquair House! ...that's the birthplace of Janet Stuart, daughter of James Stuart and Katherine Kerr, and my 12th Great-grandmother.

Thanks for the link!

[JSFMACLJR]

At this place - http://www.centaurdesign.co.uk/ - it is a small craft business in the grounds of Traquair House near Innerleithen - a nice day out from Edinburgh.

Thanks for this link Phil. Their belt buckles were at one time available through Tartanweb in an earlier existance and I was always highly impressed by the quality. Glad to know they do custom work, as the buttons you had made are delightful.

[Phil]

Their belt buckles were at one time available through Tartanweb in an earlier existance and I was always highly impressed by the quality.

I have a couple of their belt buckles -

this one in nickel (I hate polishing)


and this one is gold-plated (again no polishing)

[Bugbear]

The Argyle sleeve and pocket buttons are usually about a quarter inch across, aren't they? (six or seven mm)

Those seem to be the difficult buttons to find.