Le Bouton Buttons Appraisal

Vintage Le Bouton Mother of Pearl Style Buttons on Original Kmart Card

This item consists of a set of four vintage sewing buttons presented on their original retail card. The buttons are circular with a diameter of 3/4 inch, featuring a classic white iridescent finish that mimics genuine mother of pearl or high-quality nacre. Each button is designed with a distinctive raised, marquise-shaped (eye-shaped) center containing two sewing holes. The buttons appear to be made of a polished synthetic resin or plastic, typical of mid-20th-century 'washable' notions. The packaging is a white rectangular card with blue typography, featuring the brand name 'Le Bouton' and 'Guaranteed Washable'. A notable secondary feature is the original bright yellow 'Kmart KEY 1' price sticker, marking the set at 32 cents, which serves as a significant chronological indicator. The card is marked 'JAPAN', denoting the origin of manufacture. Regarding condition, the buttons themselves appear pristine and unused. The card shows signs of age-related wear, including minor creasing, a central horizontal fold line, slight yellowing or foxing near the top, and some blunted corners. The typography and price point suggest this item dates from the late 1960s to the 1970s. This is a well-preserved piece of vintage haberdashery and retail history, maintaining its original point-of-sale configuration.