Pair of Victorian solitaire buttons, with detachable shank which is released with a spring mechanism. The tops have an incised triskelion or three-legged symbol. This has been the symbol of the Ise of Man since the 13th century, but also has ancient Greek and Celtic roots. Today it has wider connotations - the triplicity symbolising, for example, the interconnectedness of past, present and future, or of mind, body and spirit. So an interesting pair of buttons, backstamped: WESTS PATENT with the GW trademark monogram. Price is for the pair

Size 3/4” (1.9 cm)