“Florence” French Antique WW1 Medical Button Charm

A tiny button with an extraordinary story

This may be one of the smallest French First World War military medical buttons I have ever found.

My historian believes that its unusually small size tells us something rather special about it. Unlike the larger medical buttons normally found on military coats, this one would most likely have been used as a shirt button.

Which means that more than a century ago, this tiny piece of brass was worn close to the body by someone serving within the French military medical service.

It is remarkable to think that something so small could have been present for such an enormous chapter of history.

The symbolism of the medical emblem

At the centre of the button is the serpent associated with Asclepius, one of the oldest and most recognisable symbols of healing, medicine and renewal.

Look closely and you can also see the beautiful oak and acorn details surrounding the serpent.

The oak has long represented strength, endurance and longevity, while the laurel traditionally represents honour and achievement. Together, these elements create a powerful symbol for those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

And when you look at the extraordinary detail captured in such a tiny button, it is hard not to wonder about the person who once wore it.

What might this button have witnessed?

Who wore it?

Were they a doctor, nurse or another member of the military medical service?

How many wounded soldiers did they care for?

How many frightened young men did they comfort?

How many moments of fear, courage, loss and hope did this tiny button witness from beneath a uniform?

We will never know the answers.

But the button survived.

And that is what I love about working with these pieces of history. I am not simply taking an old object and turning it into jewellery. I am rescuing a fragment of someone’s story before it disappears completely.

A meaningful symbol of healing

Because of its history and symbolism, I think The Healer would make an incredibly meaningful gift for someone beginning a career in medicine, nursing or healthcare.

It could also be a beautiful way to celebrate retirement after a lifetime spent caring for others.

Or perhaps it simply speaks to a woman who has spent much of her life helping, nurturing and healing the people around her.

The symbolism is there for you to make your own.

Designed to be worn your way

I have set this tiny antique brass button into solid sterling silver and added a sterling silver carabiner clasp.

It is beautifully proportioned to wear from a bracelet, where its small size makes it comfortable enough to leave there every day, or it can be clipped onto a silver or gold chain and worn as a delicate pendant.

I have also added a chemical patina to the original brass, bringing out the incredible detail of the serpent, oak leaves and surrounding elements and allowing the beautiful antique character of the button to shine through.

A little piece of history, carried forward

There is something deeply satisfying about taking a tiny object that has already lived one extraordinary life and giving it the opportunity to begin another.

Once, this button belonged to a uniform worn by someone whose role was to care for others.

Today, it can become a personal symbol of healing, strength, service and renewal.

And perhaps, more than a century later, it can carry a little of that meaning forward with you.

Summary

Button Origin: French First World War military medical uniform shirt button

Materials: Antique brass button set in solid sterling silver with a sterling silver carabiner clasp

Available Colours: Antique brass and silver

Wear It As: Bracelet charm or smaller pendant

Handcrafted in: The French Alps. Porsha Bella Atelier

Your jewellery journey begins with a piece of hand crafted wearable history, by Porsha Bella Jewellery.

Now for the legal stuff:-

Please note, all buttons used in my creations are antique, vintage, or second hand, and will naturally show signs of their previous lives.  Such as gentle surface marks, tiny dents, enamel wear, or soft tarnishing.
Each button is carefully tested and securely set, but as these treasures can be well over a century old, they remain delicate and should be treated with the same care as any fine antique.

While the jewellery itself is professionally handcrafted from solid precious metals using traditional goldsmith techniques, designed to last a lifetime, the historic buttons, pearls, and crystals within these designs are inherently more fragile. Their age and patina are what make them so special.
To preserve your piece, please avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, perfume, or impact. Treat it gently, and it will bring you many years of beauty and admiration.

As each piece is entirely handmade and one of a kind, I’m unable to offer refunds, exchanges, or replacements for changes of mind, or for age related wear such as button cracking, crystal or pearl loss, or plating lift that may occur over time.

If you ever have concerns about caring for your jewellery, please don’t hesitate to contact me for personalised advice.

Designer buttons have no affiliation with the original fashion houses. I take great care to ensure all branded buttons are genuine and sourced from reputable second hand suppliers & fashion historians.  Porsha Bella designer button jewellery is not sold on behalf of, or in connection with, any brand.

Your purchases are shipped via La Poste France using international tracking.
Please note, shipments are not insured against loss or damage unless requested. By completing your purchase, you agree to uninsurable shipping.
If you would prefer insured shipping, please contact me before checkout for a personalised quote.