{"product_id":"24l-1870-90s-royal-blackheath-golf-society-buttons-5-8-inches-set-of-4","title":"24L 1870-1890s Royal Blackheath Golf Society Buttons 5\/8 Inches Set of 4","description":"\u003cp\u003eSet 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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 back marks, consistent with many examples of the period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is excellent for the age. The embossing remains strong, the antique brass tone is attractive, and the patina is honest with no major damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasure approximately 24L, 24 lignes, 15.2 mm, and 5\/8\".\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Antique","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43496257519805,"sku":"B070","price":100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0625\/4818\/1181\/files\/B070_a1.jpg?v=1768142391","url":"https:\/\/www.getluckyvintage.com\/products\/24l-1870-90s-royal-blackheath-golf-society-buttons-5-8-inches-set-of-4","provider":"Get Lucky Vintage ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}