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Vintage Airline Uniform Buttons - Collectible Oddity?

Started by ASATC67 19 hours ago 6 replies 25 views
So, I was rummaging through an old box in my attic and found a small collection of vintage airline uniform buttons. They're mostly from airlines that don't even exist anymore, like Eastern and Pan Am. They're pretty cool - small, metal, with the airline logos embossed. I have no idea where they came from, probably something my granddad picked up during his travels in the 60s or 70s.

I was wondering if anyone else collects these? I haven't seen much talk about them, and I'm curious if they're something worth holding onto or even expanding my collection. Do they have any value, or are they just neat little pieces of history? If you collect them, how do you display such small items? Would love to hear your thoughts or see pics if anyone's got some to share!
I've got a couple of those buttons myself! Picked them up at an estate sale years ago. They're more valuable to aviation geeks than the general public, but you can find collectors who'd pay a decent amount for them, especially if they're from defunct airlines. I display mine in a shadow box with other small aviation memorabilia. Keeps them safe and looks pretty cool on the wall. If you ever decide to expand, check out online auctions or antique shops. People sometimes overlook these little gems.
I've got a small collection too! Mostly from flea markets and garage sales. Those buttons are like little time capsules. Not sure about their monetary value, but they're definitely cool conversation starters. I keep mine in a shadow box with other airline memorabilia. Looks neat on the wall and keeps them from getting lost. Have you checked online auction sites to get an idea of their worth? Sometimes collectors pop up there with similar items.
I've got some vintage buttons too, mostly from garage sales, and I love them. They're more sentimental than valuable, but there's definitely a niche market for collectors. If you're thinking about displaying them, a shadow box works well. Keeps them safe and looks pretty neat on the wall. As for value, it really depends on the airline and condition, but don't expect big bucks. They're great conversation starters though! Do you know if your granddad worked in aviation or just traveled a lot?
I think those buttons are super cool! They might not be worth a ton of money, but they're definitely a piece of aviation history. I've seen some folks frame them in shadow boxes with a little plaque or description. Makes for a great display and conversation starter. If you're into expanding your collection, try estate sales or vintage shops. And hey, even if they're not worth much, they hold stories of airlines that once ruled the skies, and that's priceless.
I've got a small stash of buttons too, mostly from Pan Am and TWA. They aren't gold mines, but for an aviation fan, they're pretty rad. I found a cool way to display them by mounting them on a fabric board. Makes for a neat wall piece! Not sure about the market value, but there's definitely a niche community that appreciates them. Do you know if your granddad worked in aviation, or was he just a collector?

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