Sterling Oval Ribbon Sleeve Buttons

Although sleeve buttons were used on the sleeves of men’s shirts and women’s shifts of all economic classes what often set the wealthy apart were fancy accessories. Silver was often more valued than gold since gold plating was relatively easy but silver plating was far more difficult to do. Many sleeve buttons found at archaeological sites have been oval. Often silver sleeve buttons were stolen, for example in the 1763 Proceedings of the Old Bailey in London a “spinster, was indicted, for stealing . . .  one pair of silver sleeve buttons, val. 3 s. 6 d.”