Month: December 2024

I think this plastic button is Casein. It is an aqua/blue colour which has been dyed and where the star like pattern has been cut away the inner colour is shown. I guess it may have been white and has just creamed with age. It is a type of toggle and would be suitable for a jacket.

Here are two inlaid plastic buttons which both have a tin trim. They are old; maybe 1930s – 40s, I don’t really know. You would not call them pretty nor are their colours very complimentary. Lady’s clothing was generally more colourful in later years.

Here are two modern enamel buttons which I think may have been made in Japan. They both feature flowers and are simple in their colour schemes and design. I think one is a rose; maybe the other is cherry blossom. The red one measures 2 cm while the blue one is actually bigger at just under 2 1/2 cm.

I believe that these two plastic buttons are Casein and from about the late 1930s. They are of two layers one of red and one of white and the red has been cut away in a simple design to reveal the white underneath. They are both sew through type buttons.

I think this Metal Picture button is a reasonably common one as I have seen it in button books. It has a decorative border and features a flower in the centre. It has a white metal rim under the border which gives it another dimension. It is quite a large button.

This may be only a Fabric button but sometimes they are interesting just to see the different types of fabric and how they have changed over the years. Of course button making kits were available in the sewing shops for home dressmakers to use to finish off a garment. This button is a lovely purple and blue course fabric which was probably used on an overcoat. Over the years many different types of backs were used including this tin type and plastic is also common today.

These two Ceramic buttons are both bold and striking. Although their designs are simple they are effective. They would suit neutral coloured and hand woven fabrics or a nice plain linen. The cream one measures 3 cm and the black one just over 2 cm.

Here are two simply designed Satsuma porcelain buttons each with a seated Geisha girl. They are pleasing colours. I like Satsuma buttons and have quite a nice collection of them. I prefer the older ones to the modern designs.

This ceramic button was bought for me by my friend while she was in Newfoundland in 2014. Newfoundland is an island just off the east coast of Canada. The card says on the back Snouts and Sprouts – handmade ceramic creations, St. Johns, Newfoundland. The button has a simple design and measures 3 cm.

These two blonde horn buttons each have an inlaid silver design. The designs are both floral, the one on the left being much busier than that on the right. I think they are from the late 1890s. They have a metal loop shank and measure just over 2 cm. They look much better in reality.