The 12 large and six small buttons are housed within a rectangular box decorated with the Prince Albert Royal family tartan centred with an octagonal plaque painted with the arms of the Prince Consort and both were probably made by Andrew Smith of Mauchline who in 1847 announced this new line he called ‘Breadalbane Buttons’. The estimate of £7000-9000 gave some idea of their exceptional quality – the lot sold for £12,800 (plus premium).
Royal presentation set of painted buttons
Included among a fine selection of Scottish silver and vertu at the sale conducted by Sotheby’s at the Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland on August 29 was this remarkable royal presentation set of buttons painted with shooting, fishing and hunting scenes.