Leather Buttons

[BriarWolf]

We see them all the time, the folded leather buttons often seen on tweed and other sport coats. But just how old are they? What's the earliest we see this sort of button? Does it go back to the 19th century or merely the 20th?

 

[Dirk Wainscotting]

Probably older than even the 19th century. They are fundamentally no different than monkey-fist knot buttons seen on Chinese garments.