The "mortgage button" or "amity button" was a small decorative inlay often featured on newel posts in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in American and European homes. These buttons were symbolic additions to the staircase, representing the status of the homeowner and their property.
The tradition behind these buttons is tied to homeownership and the idea of a home being "paid off" or free from debt. The mortgage button was meant to signify that the house was no longer mortgaged and had been fully paid for, serving as a subtle marker of financial stability or pride for the homeowner. This button was often crafted from materials like ivory, whale bone, or mother of pearl, and it held symbolic significance.
While not every home featured such buttons, they were particularly common in Victorian-style homes and other homes built during an era when paying off a mortgage was a significant event in a homeowner’s life. The button could be a subtle, yet meaningful addition to the architectural elements of the staircase. The mortgage button’s role was not just functional but also symbolic—reflecting the homeowner's success and security in their property. Today, these buttons are often a rare and charming find in older homes, with some collectors and historians considering them a significant detail when studying the history of American architecture and homeownership.[1][2]