35L One 1930s Pot Metal Paste Rhinestones Fancy Shank Button, 7/8"

This 1930s vintage paste rhinestone pot metal shank button carries the quiet magic of an era when sparkle refused to fade, even as the world around it dimmed. During the Great Depression, millions of Americans faced hardship, yet women still longed for beauty, glamour, and a touch of escapism—something to lift the spirit when times felt heaviest.

That's where pot metal (a humble, inexpensive white metal alloy of tin, lead, zinc, and other base metals) stepped in as the hero of affordable luxury. Manufacturers across the United States turned to this "poor man's silver" because it was cheap, easy to cast into intricate openwork shapes, and could hold glittering paste rhinestones (glass stones faceted to mimic real diamonds) without breaking the bank. No precious metals, no heavy investment—just clever craftsmanship that made every woman feel like a movie star for pennies.

Hollywood played a huge role, too. Black-and-white films filled with dazzling gowns and sparkling accessories (think Joan Crawford, Carole Lombard) inspired everyday fashion. Women couldn't afford real diamonds, but they could sew a few rhinestone-studded pot metal buttons onto a dress or coat and suddenly have that same glamorous shine. These buttons were more than fasteners—they were tiny acts of defiance and hope, proof that beauty and joy could still exist in tough times.

This button, with its open floral/starburst frame, prong-set paste stones, and that soft, aged silver patina, is a perfect survivor from this romantic, resilient decade. The tarnish and subtle wear only add to its story—it's not just a button; it's a whisper from the 1930s, reminding us how women found ways to keep shining, no matter what.

Perfect for a special vintage restoration, a collector's display, or as a meaningful piece of history. This little treasure has endured nearly a century—imagine the dresses it once adorned, the stories it could tell. A true Depression-era gem, ready to sparkle again in your collection!

Measures approximately 35L, 35 lignes, 22.2 mm, or 7/8".

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