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BUTTON MOULDS AND RINGS

Bone has been used to make buttons for a few centuries and is still being used today.

Moulds were used to wind thread or braid around in a decorative way to form a button.  Rings were also used for the same purpose (especially Dorset buttons)  I think it was very time consuming.  My first picture shows wooden button moulds as well as some bone rings.

The second picture has a group of utility bone buttons, while the third one is of underwear buttons.  Note the large holes enabling narrow tape to be threaded through which was then sewn onto the garment so the size could be adjusted around the waist.  We use elastic these days.

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VEGETABLE IVORY BUTTONS

Vegetable Ivory is named so as in it’s natural state it resembles ivory.  It is actually the Tagua or Corozzo nut from a palm tree grown in South America.  Over the years many buttons have been made, some in the natural colour and many dyed.  The first button is made from the skin or bark of the nut.  In the group of small buttons, some have lovely designs pressed into them.  At first glance they appear plain but upon inspection they are really lovely. (Quite a few with plant life and one even has three tiny little birds)  It is good to have a magnifying glass when inspecting buttons.

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BUCKLES

Buckles are another interest of mine and I have a few really nice old ones and quite a few of the more common old plastic  ones.  I love thee look of these carved plastic buckles (or clasps).  The colours are typical of the period (not so bright as today’s colours)   I guess they come from the 1940’s and 50’s.

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BATCHELOR BUTTONS

As there was no sewing needed to attach these buttons they were given the name of Batchelor Buttons.  They have a special spring mechanism at the back to enable the back to come off so it then can be attached.  The group shown has one brass button with an engraved floral design.  Two have a stone set in brass and the other also with a stone, claw set into a white metal.  In the close up you can see the decorative claws holding it in.  I think it looks a very good quality button.  Three of these buttons have a “West” Reg’d No. or Patent marked on the back.  The rising sun is the West trade mark.

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SATSUMA PORCELAIN BUTTONS

Made in Japan, Satsuma buttons are very appealing to me.  I especially like those with figures on them although they seem to be harder to find.  The first group I think in general are older than the others.  They also are not so brightly coloured as the newer ones.  Many Satsuma buttons have floral designs.  The painting is very intricate, especially the gold work.

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SEWING RELATED ITEMS

I have always enjoyed fossicking in antique shops and at fairs looking for treasures.  Having been a keen embroiderer over many years, sewing related items are of great interest to me.  They have now become much harder to find as well as being much more expensive.  My collection has grown over the years and I now have some lovely items.

Here are a few examples :    One photo shows a group of sewing items made from bone, including a needle holder, crochet hook and pincushion.

The second group has an enamelled needle holder with a green tassle.  The wooden holder contains thread wax and the “Blue Boy”packet holds needles.  Just a few items to whet your appetite!

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PLASTIC BUTTONS

Although simple in design I find these buttons rather pleasing.  The circle of gold just adds a nice touch.  They each have a brass pin shank, the top of which you can see in the middle. They are from the 1940’s – 50’s  era.

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BOXED SETS OF BUTTONS

It is great to have some sets of buttons in their original box.  Both of these sets are Enamel.  One lot are small square buttons looking like a box with a brilliant blue flower.  The other set are also bright blue, round and with a little pink flower.  They are both lovely, although quite different.  In the late 1890’s and early 1900’s, these boxed sets were a popular gift for say a 21st  birthday present.  Of course they both have the attaching clips.

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WOODEN BUTTON

Made in Russia, this wooden button has been painted and highly lacquered to give a great finish.  It is signed on the back thus:   MOAYAHOB  1994 and measures  3  1/2cms.  The bright strong colours appealed to me.