13L Set of Five 1820s-1850s Heirloom Ecru Dimi Dorset Buttons, 5/16"

Set of five antique ecru natural flax yarns Dorset buttons, circa 1820s to 1850s.

Measure approximately 13 lignes, 8.2 mm., or 5/16".

These buttons were made when the base of the Dorset button transitioned from locally sourced horn to wire imported by wagon from the Midlands of England.

Handcrafted in the timeless Dorset tradition, these exquisite white buttons evoke the grace and refinement of the late Victorian and Edwardian eras. Once a thriving cottage industry across rural England, Dorset button-making produced small works of art, each one meticulously wrapped and woven by hand.

By the late 19th century, as mass-produced fastenings took over, handmade buttons like these became rare treasures, symbols of taste and craftsmanship reserved for fine garments and heirloom pieces.

These buttons capture that heritage: simple yet elegant, pure white, and rich with history. Perfect for period costumes, heirloom sewing, or adding a touch of authentic Victorian charm to contemporary fashion.

The foundation rings were made by children working as 'Twisters', 'Dippers' who soldered the rings, and 'Stringers' who tied the rings into strings for sale to the button makers. Some evidence of rusty discoloration on the fibers can be seen upon close examination, a common result of the wire-era Dorset button (1820s-1850s).

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