Aerogramme

’26-03: Ancient Bottle Gin

It’s a barrel, not a bottle — yet it proclaims “ANCIENT BOTTLE GIN.” Gin does not age in barrels, so why say ancient? Why put gin in a barrel?

The button above is extra-large at 3¼” tall, retaining the natural curve of a bovine shin bone. Visit this button in the Button Album to view the details and watch a video of buttons being made from bones.

’26-01: Danish Button Trio

Under magnification it turns into a miniature stage set: two “wild men” supporters flank the shield, a draped pavilion frames the scene, and a royal crown with orb-and-cross sits above like a finial. The shield itself is the real marvel—nested like Russian dolls…

’25-12: Reaching Out

Some organizations use “DEI” to aspire for diversity, equity, and inclusion—but how? In small moments when we widen our circle and let curiosity lead, the world of “DEI” opens.

’25-11: Gift of Time, Art of Living

This bright red button is a carved lacquer colored with powdered cinnabar (mercury sulfide). Because cinnabar contains some levels of toxic mercury, antique pieces should be handled with care, while modern examples are often made from safer synthetic materials. Either way, the vivid red symbolizes the privilege and status in Chinese culture.

’25-10: The Gilded Age

The Gilded Age (1870-1900) was a time of fabulous ambitions, when success meant not only wealth but being seen as wealthy. This month’s featured piece is more than a button — it is a declaration of refined taste, a claim in the swirl of upward mobility. Large, bejewelled buttons of 1 1/4” or more from this era are known among collectors as ‘Gay Nineties’, capturing the spirit of the age.

’25-09: The Sun Filled with Stars

Old Venetian glass artisans recorded the method of suspending copper crystals as colloid in glass to create a glowing effect unlike anything else. Goldstone’s “magic sparkle” is not just reflection, but a combination of colloidal …

’25-08: The Secret Glow

At first glance, collectors might pass it by—one of many mid-century molded glass styles once pinned to retail cards marked “Made in West Germany.” But a closer look reveals a button with hidden depth.

’25-07: Satsuma from the Land of Satsuma

Satsuma refers to the historic region in southern Japan—now known as Kagoshima—once ruled by a powerful line of feudal lords. For button collectors, hand-painted Satsuma buttons originating from the actual land of Satsuma are exceptionally rare. Most vintage “Satsuma” buttons known today were produced in other parts of Japan, especially around Kyoto, and many modern examples sold online are decorated using digital ceramic printing, not traditional hand-painting.

’25-06: Silver Trail

Many buttons have backmarks that display the maker and from that, one might be able to trace the button back to where and when it was made. Silver buttons are different in that the metal itself has value and they most often carry hallmarks which reveal the purity of the metal, where and when it was made and the maker.