Button 1830 - 1870

This small metal button, made by the Waterbury Button Company, encapsulates a complex interplay of identity and social status. Though diminutive, the button speaks volumes about the wearer's aspirations and affiliations. Buttons, like this one, were more than mere fasteners; they were emblems of wealth, taste, and belonging. The intricate monogram, possibly indicating membership in a specific club, military unit, or family lineage, reveals a desire to align oneself with particular social groups. During the 19th century, such markers of identity were paramount, especially for those navigating a rapidly changing social landscape. The button therefore becomes a material expression of identity, reflecting both personal and collective narratives. What does it mean to adorn oneself with symbols of status and power? And how do these symbols shape our perceptions of ourselves and others? This button invites us to contemplate the subtle yet powerful ways in which objects mediate our sense of self and our place in the world.