A VERY RARE 18TH CENTURY UNDER GLASS PICTORIAL BUTTON

A VERY RARE 18TH CENTURY UNDER GLASS PICTORIAL BUTTON
1 Large "Schlaraffenland" 18th C. Embossed paper under glass.
This button from a larger set is pictured in the National Button Society bulletin in Jan-Feb 1979 on page 17-18. The set was purchased by the late Freddie Speights from the acclaimed dealer the late Margot Jacoby of New York. The buttons are polychrome Gouache scenes on embossed paper. According to the article these buttons are German in origin and Schlaraffenland means "a Utopic Paradise....a land of milk and honey" Each button certainly depicts that description. The article further on says that these buttons may be French in origin. Of course the French certainly depicted other cultural events and folklore so it is possible. The buttons have a copper rim and tin back typical to other 18th century buttons like this one. Please refer to the article for further information and to see this button and the entire set, or at least the entire set as Freddie purchased. These buttons were always considered rare and sought after and the consignor of this button purchased this one directly from Freddie. If you like 18th century buttons you wont want to pass this one up, if you like story buttons or whimsical buttons the same applies. Whatever you don't want to pass this one up.

Issued: DIVISION 1=PRE 1918 AND DIVISION 3 IS AFTER 1918
Dimensions: SM=Less than 3/4", Medium=3/4" to 1 1/4". Large=1 1/4" and above, extra large=1 3/4" and above