“The Freeland” Star Union Button Necklace

This one-of-a-kind necklace features an authentic antique union button stamped with the words “The Free Land” and a central star motif, a powerful symbol tied to early American labor, reform, and populist movements.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, The Free Land was a phrase charged with meaning. For workers and organizers, land represented independence—freedom from exploitative labor systems and the opportunity to build a life sustained by one’s own work. The phrase appeared across labor, agrarian, and reform movements advocating for fair access to land, economic justice, and self-determination.

The prominent star at the center of the button reinforces themes of guidance, unity, and aspiration—values closely associated with collective movements of the era. Buttons like this were worn as quiet declarations, signaling alignment with ideals of fairness, opportunity, and shared prosperity.

This original button has been carefully preserved and hand-set in solid .925 sterling silver, transforming a historical artifact into wearable form while honoring its original character. It is suspended from an 18-inch sterling silver rope chain, selected for durability and timeless design.

The warm patina, softened lettering, and surface wear are consistent with genuine age and use. No restoration or artificial aging has been applied. This piece remains true to its history.

This necklace is a true one-of-one collector artifact. Once sold, it cannot be recreated.

• Genuine antique union button (circa late 1800s–early 1900s)

• Stamped “The Free Land” with central star motif

• Hand-set in solid .925 sterling silver bezel

• 18-inch sterling silver rope chain included

• One of a kind collector piece

Note: Union buttons bearing ideological language connected to land, labor, and economic freedom are increasingly scarce. This piece bridges artifact and adornment, offering collectors a wearable reminder of early American ideals rooted in independence, fairness, and opportunity.