The humble buckle is an oft-taken for granted fastening, yet its usefulness and sturdiness has ensured that it has survived from ancient times through to the present day. The author provides a comprehensive typology of buckles, from the earliest designs to the most recent uses. With detailed records of the types of buckles from different historical periods and listings of museums where they can be found, this book offers the re-enactor essential guidance for period costumes, and provides the collector or enthusiast with the information needed to continue or begin to learning about this enduring and practical object.
Button collecting has been a hobby in America and Britain for a number of years. Organized along the lines of stamp collecting, there is an incredible variety of buttons available, with the most magnificent produced during the eighteenth century. This book outlines button history and describes the types of buttons that the average collector is most likely to encounter. With illustrations of a large range of button designs, this is a perfect introduction to an enjoyable, timeless hobby, ideal for aspiring collectors and anyone interested in the history of fashion.
A growing population in the mid-nineteenth century and a wealthier middle class, combined with an increased social awareness, greater literacy, better travel facilities, inventiveness and cheaper production through mechanization, all helped to increase demand for male fashion accessories. Men wished to balance the sobriety of their clothing: if fashion dictated drab coloring, all they could do was to add ornament; hence, gentlemen came to display a selection of male jewelry. The highlight of these accessories was the watch chain or albert with its attachments: watch-keys, seals, fobs, compasses, pencils, vestas and the like. Studs, cravat pins, flower holders, cuff-links and special dress buttons for waistcoats were also widely used. Many of the items described and illustrated here are very collectable and can still be worn today, often providing a stimulating conversion point.

A welcome new edition of a standardunavailable for nearly a decade In more than nine decades of Girl Scouting, a vast popular and material culture has given rise to a wealth of Girl Scout history collections. More than an identification guide to uniforms, insignia, and other Girl Scout objects, this work also documents when changes occurred and why new items were introduced. Placing these objects in context, this essential guide provides a discerning look at the history and development of the Girl Scout Movement in the United States. Scholars and aficionados of Girl Scout history, costume history, women’s studies, popular culture, and dress will welcome this indispensable and definitive resource. This new, expanded edition, with hundreds of illustrations, photographs, and tables, is indisputably the go-to source for information on all Girl Scout uniforms, insignia, awards, and handbooks, as well as dolls, postcards, posters, calendars, and morefrom the founding of the Girl Scouts in 1912 through the present day. An invaluable resource to Girl Scout councils managing a history collection. And, beyond that . . . an informative and intriguing glimpse . . . into the evolution of a Movement that . . . today is the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls.” Cynthia B. Thompson, chair, National Board of Directors, and Kathy Cloninger, national chief executive officer, GSUSA An indispensable reference for collectors; a fascinating resource for anyone interested in Girl Scouting, this comprehensive guide to Girl Scout memorabilia is firmly grounded in the history of the Girl Scouts of the United States. Mary Degenhardt and Judith Kirsch show us what Girl Scouts wore and read, and explain how changes in uniforms, insignia, and publications reflect the evolution of Girl Scout programs and the expansion of opportunities for American girls. Reading this book is like walking through a fine museum where material culture brings the past to life.” Anastatia Sims, author of Negotiating Boundaries of Southern Womanhood
The humble buckle is an oft-taken for granted fastening, yet its usefulness and sturdiness has ensured that it has survived from ancient times through to the present day. The author provides a comprehensive typology of buckles, from the earliest designs to the most recent uses. With detailed records of the types of buckles from different historical periods and listings of museums where they can be found, this book offers the re-enactor essential guidance for period costumes, and provides the collector or enthusiast with the information needed to continue or begin to learning about this enduring and practical object.From the Trade Paperback edition.
The bible book of buttons is back in an updated and revised fifth edition. This is the best introduction to the world of buttons that has ever been written. Over 3,000 buttons, covering all periods, materials, and manufacturers, are pictured and identified, along with newly revised current market values for each button. Although comprehensive in scope, the book is never intimidating. Its encyclopedic format enables information to be quickly and easily found. Current market values make it the best guide to the market. This is the one book that experienced collectors have long considered indispensable, that new collectors must have.
Hats replaced bonnets as headwear for women around the 1890s and hat pins were needed to secure the hats firmly; they were essential for the larger hats worn around 1910 12. The hat-pin industry expanded rapidly, producing pins of many materials, styles and qualities. Hat pins were necessary for everyday wear as well as for sports and motoring. Suffragettes used them as offensive weapons and were not allowed to wear them when they appeared in court. Bye-laws prohibited hat pins from being worn with protruding unprotected points and contemporary cartoons poked fun at their use. Prices in the early days ranged from one old penny to several pounds, but the hat pins of the Edwardian period have now become collectors items.