A Collector’s Spring Showcase: Rare Buttons Take Center Stage

This April, collectors will find something truly special in Unbuttoned: The Spring Button Auction, Day 1, presented by Lion and Unicorn on April 14, 2026. Featuring 400 lots devoted entirely to buttons, the sale highlights the remarkable artistry and diversity within this often-overlooked category. From intricate hand-painted examples to striking figural designs, the auction is structured around thoughtfully curated groupings and division cards, making it as appealing to seasoned collectors as it is to those newly discovering the world of button collecting.

Glass buttons dominate much of the catalog, particularly pictorial and decorative varieties, while metal, enamel, and studio-made works introduce a rich mix of textures and techniques. Across antique, vintage, and more contemporary examples, the sale offers a compelling cross-section of craftsmanship and creativity.

Featured Auction Highlights:

Highlight: A Scarce Hand-Painted Under Glass Button (Lot 336)
Estimated at $600–$900, this scarce Division One hand-painted under glass button exemplifies the delicate artistry that defines top-tier examples in the category. Under-glass painting requires precision and foresight, as the design is executed in reverse on the underside of the glass. The result is a luminous, dimensional effect that protects the artwork while enhancing its visual depth.
Highly sought after for both their fragility and craftsmanship, under-glass buttons like this one represent a pinnacle of technical skill and remain a cornerstone for serious collectors.

Highlight: Exceptional Hand-Colored Figural Button (Lot 152)
With an estimate of $400–$600, this hand-colored Division One figural button captures the charm and narrative quality that figural designs bring to a collection. These buttons often depict people, animals, or symbolic imagery, transforming a functional object into a miniature work of art.
The hand-applied color enhances the dimensionality and personality of the piece, making it particularly appealing for collectors who value storytelling and character in their acquisitions.

Highlight: Hand-Painted Scene Button (Lot 340)
Estimated at $600–$1,200, this exceptional hand-painted scene button stands out for its complexity and artistry. Scene buttons are especially prized for their ability to compress detailed landscapes or narrative imagery into a remarkably small format.
The craftsmanship required to achieve such fine detail on a miniature scale elevates these buttons into the realm of fine art. Pieces like this often serve as focal points within advanced collections.

Highlight: Hand-Painted Figural Button (Lot 159)
Also estimated at $400–$600, this hand-painted Division One figural button reflects the enduring appeal of portrait-style designs. The careful rendering of the figure demonstrates both technical precision and artistic sensitivity.
Figural buttons of this quality offer collectors a blend of decorative beauty and historical intrigue, often hinting at the fashion, culture, or artistic influences of their time.

Unbuttoned: The Spring Button Auction, Day 1 is more than a niche sale, it’s a celebration of craftsmanship across centuries. With its emphasis on grouped lots and categorized selections, the auction provides both breadth and depth, allowing collectors to expand their holdings thoughtfully or discover new areas of interest.

Taking place on April 14, 2026, this 400-lot sale underscores the enduring appeal of buttons as collectible objects. Whether drawn to the luminous quality of glass, the storytelling of figural designs, or the painterly detail of scenic examples, bidders will find a wealth of opportunities to engage with this uniquely detailed collecting category.

See the full sale catalog and register to bid on Bidsquare.com.