One Dozen Brass Rings

For Making Wire Buttons

Most likely called “wire buttons” during the 18th and early 19th century brass rings were used for making fabric covered and thread cartwheel buttons (we suggest white or off white linen 60/2 thread). Instructions are found in The Lady’s Guide to Plain Sewing Book II for making both types of buttons. These wire buttons were used specifically on the collar of men’s shirts & men’s waistcoats as this trade card dated 1757-1758 includes “Sells all sorts of . . .  shirt & waistcoat, fine mould & wire buttons” which is at The Lewis Walpole Library. Besides this, wire buttons may be used anywhere a small cloth or thread covered button is required. These solid brass rings have a 1/2″ (12 mm) diameter which are seen on many extant waistcoats for the 18th & early 19th centuries.