In addition to collecting hunt buttons for their sheer beauty, their history – both social and personal – has always interested me. How and why did such-and-such a hunt choose
In their sale on March 20th Gloucestershire based Auctioneers Chorley’s will be offering a set of 18th century silver hunting buttons connected to the legendary English huntsman John Peel (1776–1854).
A very generous gift to ‘The Firebrand Collection’ has added a unique dimension to the history of hunting, and in Yorkshire in particular. In the mid-to-late 1700s, one Josiah Dyson
In this post I would like like to return to the ‘mystery’ of the infamous POH button. The Story Pt1: For many years this button (Pic1) was held by collectors
It is rare that an individual’s collection of hunt buttons becomes available as one entity. Most often they are divided up in some way. On this occasion, however, I have
Every now and again a hunt button will turn up that is not only new to us all, but that pushes our knowledge of the history of hunting back several
Another popular area of hunting-related collecting is that of antique horns, with some collectors concentrating on the ‘upper end’ and Presentation pieces. Recently, one such presentation (or testimonial) horn helped
In the past, I have featured Military Hunt buttons from the U.K., and at the end of one of those articles I mentioned I was on the look-out for a
When it’s a race meeting. I recently found out that I (and many others) have been wrong about a certain button for years; and it all comes down to the
After being away for quite a long break, I thought I would use this opportunity to catch up on some previous articles, and share some new discoveries Starting with Military
Predominantly, but not exclusively, used as dress buttons on evening tails, mounted buttons are some of the more spectacular examples of hunt buttons. (N.B. Here I talk of the UK
In this second part looking at Military and Regimental hunt buttons, I’ll take a look at some of the early examples. Straight out of the gate, I’ll apologise for the
Over recent weeks Baily’s have added a number of images of military and regimental packs to the image Gallery. These have sent me scurrying to see if the pack(s) in
All hunt button collectors will be familiar with the occasional memory block regarding the Kildare and Kilkenny hunt buttons, and which is which. Just as we get it straight, Baily’s
In these days of databases, websites and ‘the cloud’, I thought I’d show you a wonderful ‘old school’ reference library. Originally, the work and property of Mr Fred Courtier –
Collectors of any item of interest and/or value have always had to be on the look-out for replicas, copies and outright fakes masquerading as genuine, to make someone else ‘a
Almost two years ago in Sept ’18 (cripes! where does the time go?) I posted a photo of a ‘relic’ button for the Hanley Hunt. Now, thanks to the generosity
Recently offered for sale by Christie’s of London was this fabulous, cased set of Georgian silver buttons. They were previously the property of Gloria, the late Dowager Countess Bathurst. Although
Recently a number of old printer’s blocks (or letter presses) became available that were used to produce the images of hunt buttons in Baily’s Hunting Directory. I have managed to
Recently an ancient hunt coat turned up for auction featuring a most interesting set of buttons bearing the letters NDN in ‘Acanthus script’. Until the coat itself appeared, the only
The recent addition to the vintage Scottish Gallery of the photo of the Fife Hunt has inspired me to share a few images. Over the years, the Fife Hunt has
I’ve been keeping myself occupied by rootling through boxes of ‘odds & sods’ that I have accumulated over the years and, whilst mainly finding old military and costume buttons, I
My occasional binges into the world of period hunting attire sometimes bring up a nice piece. I have just acquired a tailcoat and field coat that were the property of
I’ve received a few requests asking for ideas on how best to display hunt button collections, both large and small. So, here are a few suggestions. Many thanks to my
I recently purchased a lovely button for the Moingona Hunt in the US, and thought I would share a few of my buttons from the North American continent. My collection
Whilst not strictly a button, I thought it worth sharing this unusual find. This lapel badge is for the Aldershot Command Hunt Club, which I believe pre-dates the Foot Beagles
It’s not often one gets the opportunity to re-write the history or reference books, but I think that I might be able to do just that thanks to an unexpected
I may (and it’s a b-i-g may) have stumbled across something rather interesting to collectors of hunt buttons, and those with a wider interest in the history of hunting in
Following hard on the heels of my post about Mr Riddle’s Hounds, I am seeking help from anyone, but particularly our hunting cousins ‘across the herring pond’ in the USA
Here are some lovely 19th century hunt buttons from the USA. A full ‘dress’ set of Mr Riddle’s. According to ‘Great Breeders and Their Methods‘, Samuel Riddle’s hounds descended from
I have just taken ownership of a wonderfully enigmatic tailcoat, and I wonder if anyone out there can help identify it. Made in the late 1800s, of very soft fabric,
Can anyone identify these brass and white enamel buttons for us? I’ve seen only two other examples of hunt buttons where the lettering is in-filled with coloured enamel. I’m clutching
Who-whoop! I have been lucky enough to secure ownership of this magnificent hunt ‘club’ coat, sold recently at specialist period fashion and haute couture auctioneers Kerry Taylor Auctions in Bermondsey,
I have a particular fondness for buttons that have been recovered from muddy fields, river banks and hedges. My romantic vision of them having ‘pinged’ off during a particularly lively
Below is a (sadly rather poor) image of an extremely rare regimental hunt button from the 18th century. Currently in the hands of a private collector whom wishes to remain
I was scratching around, trying desperately to think of a theme for my newest post when a recently acquired ‘Sporting’ button gave me an idea……Within my own collection, how many
We really need your help on this recent addition to the Firebrand collection. Can anybody read the legend in the banner? Hanles? Hanlly? Hanley? Or have a clue what it
Can anyone help identify this button? It carries a Foley & Croker, Dublin backmark (see image) which suggests (although ’tis not certain) that it’s an Irish button. It’s very similar
After a long break I’m delighted to be back, in support of the launch of Peter and Dr. Helen Brook’s ‘Great Days Two’ at the Lycetts Festival of Hunting earlier
Can anyone identify this button? One assumption is an early Vale of Lune Harriers, but no-one is sure (yet!) The backmark is the ubiquitous Pitt & Co. 31 Maddox St
