Pewter Metal Detected Button Earrings

Historical Information

Type: Button
Fabric: Pewter
Date: 18th Century
Find Location: Essex, UK

Extra Information:

In the 18th century, pewter buttons were the go-to choice for their cost-effectiveness and functionality. Crafted from a tin alloy with traces of copper or antimony, pewter was robust and malleable, making it perfect for widespread manufacturing. These buttons were produced in molds and often featured simple, embossed designs. Although less decorative than brass or precious metal buttons, pewter buttons were dependable and tarnish-resistant.

Favoured by the working and middle classes—including craftsmen, soldiers, and farmers—pewter buttons were staples on military uniforms and everyday work clothes. The upper classes, however, opted for more opulent materials, positioning pewter buttons as symbols of utility over prestige.

As the late 18th century saw industrial progress reshaping button production with varied designs and materials, pewter buttons maintained their role in practical apparel. Today, they hold a treasured place among collectors and historians, esteemed for their enduring historical and cultural value.

The findings on these earrings are Stainless Steel and the piece of pottery is coated in resin for protection and preservation.