24L, 1870-90s Royal Blackheath Golf Society Cone Shank Buttons, 5/8"

Set of four small antique brass metal shank buttons bearing the Royal Blackheath Golf Society Club insignia. Originally worn on an antique Royal Blackheath Club member's waistcoat. Circa 1870-1890s.

A rare matched set of four small antique brass shank buttons, each measuring approximately 15.2 mm (24 lignes, 5/8 inch) in diameter, originally worn on a waistcoat by a member of the Royal Blackheath Golf Club. Founded in 1608, Royal Blackheath is widely recognized as the world’s oldest golf club, and by the eighteenth century it had become a symbol of sporting prestige. Members’ uniforms featured finely crafted buttons bearing the club’s historic insignia, and these buttons are a surviving example of that tradition. The design includes a crowned thistle flanked by crossed golf clubs, a rowboat, and golfer motifs, reflecting the club’s Scottish heritage and early golfing culture.

These buttons feature a classic Victorian-era two-piece construction, with an ornate brass front finished in gilt for a rich, aged golden tone and a separate steel back for strength and economical production. The raised cone self-shank, pressed directly from the steel back and with central thread holes, was standard for mid-to-late Victorian buttons from the 1870s to 1890s, distinguishing them from later flat or wire-loop designs.

This two-piece brass and steel construction with punched shanks was a specialty of Birmingham, utilizing local stamping presses and metallurgy, while London firms such as Firmin’s often relied on Birmingham workshops to produce high-quality uniform and club buttons. There are no visible backmarks, consistent with many examples of the period.

The buttons show age-appropriate wear and subtle oxidation, confirming their originality, while the embossing remains strong and the antique brass patina is attractive. Small waistcoat-sized buttons from this era, particularly in a matched set, are increasingly scarce. They offer a tangible connection to over four centuries of golf history, from the time of King James I through the late Victorian golden age of club uniforms, and are highly desirable for collectors of golf memorabilia, Victorian and Edwardian uniform buttons, and British sporting history.

Condition is excellent for the age. The embossing remains strong, the antique brass tone is attractive, and the patina is honest with no major damage.

Priced to reflect their rarity and provenance, these buttons make an ideal addition to any advanced collection.

Measure approximately 24L, 24 lignes, 15.2 mm, and 5/8".

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