30L, 1890-1910 Royal Blackheath Golf Society Metal Shank Buttons, 3/4"
Authentic early 20th-century Royal Blackheath Golf Club blazer buttons, circa 1890s to 1910s (Edwardian era, before or around World War I).
This is a rare matched set of three medium sized antique buttons. Each measures approximately 19 mm in diameter (30 lignes or 3/4 inch). They originally came from the front of a member's blazer, jacket, or coat of the Royal Blackheath Golf Club, the world's oldest golf club with origins in 1608 and enduring prestige through the 18th and 19th centuries.
The buttons display the club's iconic historic insignia. This features a crowned thistle with crossed golf clubs, a rowboat, and golfer figures. The design embodies the club's Scottish heritage and early golf tradition, inspired by classic portraits like the William Innes caddy scene from the early 1800s.
These buttons feature a classic two-piece construction. The front is a thin, non-magnetic brass disc (embossed and gilt-finished for the rich, aged golden patina). It is crimped or joined to a separate magnetic steel back plate for added strength and economical production—a standard method for high-quality uniform and club buttons in the industrial late 19th to early 20th century.
The shank is a punched U-profile loop (also known as a stamped alpha or tunnel shank), formed by punching and bending the steel back metal outward. It includes thread holes for secure sewing and is fully magnetic, a practical and durable choice for club attire during this transitional period.
The two-piece brass/steel construction with punched shanks was a Birmingham specialty, using local stamping presses and metallurgy. London firms (e.g., Firmin's London office) often outsourced production to Birmingham workshops.
There are no visible backmarks, which is typical for many buttons from this era. The buttons exhibit genuine age-appropriate wear, patina, and subtle oxidation or spotting on the shanks, confirming their originality.
Dating to the late Victorian through early 20th century (around 1890 to 1910s), these buttons reflect a time when the club upheld elegant member uniforms amid the expansion of golf and British sporting culture. At this 3/4-inch size, they were commonly used for blazer fronts or jacket bodies, frequently paired with smaller cuff or waistcoat variants in complete sets.
Examples from this era in the larger 3/4-inch size and as a matched group are quite scarce, enhancing their desirability for collectors
These buttons are ideal for enthusiasts of golf memorabilia and historic golf artifacts. They also appeal to collectors of Edwardian button sets, uniform buttons, or British club and sporting history items. They provide a direct connection to over four centuries of golf tradition, from the era of King James I to the evolution of the modern game.
Condition is excellent for the age. The embossing is sharp and detailed, the antique gold tone is attractive, and there is honest patina with no significant damage.
Priced to reflect their rarity and provenance, these make an outstanding addition to any advanced collection.
Measure approximately 30L, 30 lignes, 19 mm, or 3/4".
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