Antique Buttons represent an entire collecting field of their own and have existed since man first produced clothing. They cover a whole range of material, from precious metals encrusted with jewels through to simple base metal, wood, bone and other Mundane materials. Not surprisingly, it is the more elaborate examples from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries that attract a premium, with size (both large and small), refinement of decoration and visual appeal accounting for value. Particularly popular are enamel, mother-of-pearl and silver examples, especially in cased sets, but even a single button, if of the right type, can be worth hundreds of pounds. Military buttons, especially those of the 18th and early 19th centuries, are avidly sought, with livery and hunt buttons also gaining in popularity. In 2000 the Sewing Sale included the collection of the late Stanley and Mary Godsell and single buttons and collections have often featured in the sales.