AI Appraisal Estimate

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.

I have carefully examined the provided images of this carded set of Le Bouton 'mother of pearl' style buttons. My assessment confirms these are mid-20th-century synthetic resin buttons, likely polyester, designed to emulate natural nacre. The presence of the original Kmart 'Key 1' pricing sticker and the 'Japan' manufacturing mark allows for a confident dating to the late 1960s or early 1970s. The physical condition of the buttons is excellent; however, the card shows systemic age-related wear including foxing and a central fold, which is common for notions of this era but slightly detracts from the 'museum quality' premium. In the current market, vintage sewing notions enjoy a niche demand among both 'slow fashion' enthusiasts and retail history collectors. Comparables for carded Le Bouton sets typically sell within the $5 to $15 range. The primary value driver here is the intact Kmart packaging, which shifts the item from a mere utilitarian supply to a piece of commercial ephemera. While not rare, finding the set completely intact on its original card adds a premium over loose vintage buttons. Limitations: This appraisal is based solely on digital images. Without an in-person examination, I cannot perform a 'clink' test or specific gravity test to definitively rule out older materials like galalith (though unlikely given the branding). I also cannot verify the adhesive integrity of the Kmart sticker to ensure it hasn't been reapplied. A physical inspection would be required to confirm the absence of micro-cracking (crazing) in the resin that may not be visible in photographs.