Very rare large brass handkerchief corner with high-profile Lioness head surrounded by etched detailing. Brass loop shank.
#2 Catherine the Great as Minerva
Wonderfully detailed large Minerva with faux wood board background, enhanced with cut steels. Note the wide-eyed owl tucked under the plumage atop her helmet. Shown BBB PL 175-19 and titled “Catherine the Great as Minerva.” Brass loop shank.
#3 Duchess of Devonshire Painting in Horn
A lovely painted rendition of the Georgiana Cavendish, the Duchess of Devonshire, under glass and mounted in natural horn. From the reverse, the transparent horn mount reveals that the ivory disk material for the painting was signed with the notation “Mme Devonshire.” Brass plate and loop shank.
#4 Heart Pattern Glass in Metal
An interesting large milk glass mounted in gilt brass has been decorated overall with a repeated art nouveau heart design in fired-on lime green paint with gold outline. Brass loop shank.
#5 Cottage Lithograph
A large size lithograph with a scarce cottage scene under a celluloid shield is framed by a pierced and painted border design. Tin reverse with loop shank.
#6 Verbal Statue of Liberty
A medium white metal Statue of Liberty commemorative with a verbal banner under the statue, likely made for the New York World’s Fair in 1939. Backmark NEW YORK and, partially obscured by the brass loop shank and what looks like “City 1939”.
#7 Modified Square Georgian Jewel
A gorgeous medium Georgian era cobalt glass jewel in a modified square silver mount with scalloped edge. The border is set with paste jewels as is the center rayed medallion. Silver loop shank.
#8 Plique a Jour Enamel
Wonderful triangular shaped plique a jour enamel, probably of Austrian origin ca. 1920. When held to the light, its like gazing through a fabulous, colorful stained glass window. Brass plate and loop shank.
#9 Painted Fops on Faux Wood
Two Fops are painted in white and sepia on a celluloid background which resembles wood on this scarce button in large size. Shown BBB PL 163-13. Beaded brass rim. Reverse shows bkmk PARIS 34M with three stars. Loop shank.
#10 Colorful Victorian Celluloid
This large Victorian celluloid in blue tint features a filigree outlined cutout revealing a colorful foil design under a clear celluloid shield. Brass reverse with self shank.
#11 Victorian Celluloid Sew Thru
A cut-out metal border of painted leaves overlaps the celluloid background and is attached to an unpainted decorative inner border framing the center celluloid shield pierced with the four holes for sew-thru attachment. Japanned reverse.
#12 Square Victorian Celluloid
A large and scarce square Victorian celluloid with a beaded center steel design and pierced brass border. Brass loop shank.
#13 Gibson Girl on Bakelite
A white metal Gibson Girl portrait in high relief with rose garland border design is mounted atop a thick black bakelite disk. Shown BBB PL 222-7. Metal loop shank.
#14 Sam Biern with Moveable Tassel
Large Sam Biern with moveable tassel. Great example with purple fabric mounted in metal with chain link border. The tassel strands are chain-weave copper wires. The metal reverse shows backplate bkmk SAM BIERN, N.Y. and brass loop shank.
#15 Motiwala Rider on Ibex
A colorful enamel from the Motiwala brothers of India showing a Persian rider atop a fast running Ibex as the rider’s scarf blows in the wind trail. Set in a silver rim and back with loop shank.
#16 Minerva on Gutta Percha
A cut-out brass head of Minerva is mounted over finely rayed gutta percha with a raised border. Brass loop and plate shank.
#17 Brass Triple Coin Escutcheon
A triplicate brass coin design is attached to the engraved brass mount with three cut steel jewels. Each coin features a unique verbal design. Heavy brass loop shank.
#18 Courting Couple on Bone
A courting couple in 18th C. attire is painted on a large two-hole sew-through bone button.
#19 Colorful Radial DUG
This striking design under glass features a colorful radial design with gold outline painted on the reverse of the drum-shaped glass. Brass rim and back with loop shank.
#20 Little Red Hen
A large brass of the children’s story “The Little Red Hen,” shown sitting in a shoe. The border is embellished with four cut steel jewels. Shown BBB PL 192-18. Brass loop shank.
#21 Amber Tingue
A scarce Div. I glass tingue in amber glass with oblong shape. Self shank with thread grooves.
#22 Agate in Silver
Polished agate is beautifully mounted in silver with beaded rim design. Heavy silver loop shank.
#23 Classical Figure Deluxe Brass
A green tinted oval milk glass features a molded figure of a woman in classical drapery. The glass is mounted in an ornate openwork brass embellished with cut steel jewels. Heavy brass loop shank.
#24 Georgian Era Portrait Lithograph
A polychrome lithograph portrait in delicate pastel coloring of a Georgian era woman is mounted under glass with a copper rim on this late 18th or early 19th century button. Metal U shank.
#25 Silver Paris Verbal
A one piece silver featuring a woman in hennin headdress carrying a banner proclaiming PARIS and XV SIECLE (15th century) as she rides a boat transport along the banks of the city. Silver loop shank.
#26 South Wind Pearl Face
Here is the gentle South Wind represented by a child’s face on this iridescent carved green snail. A brass version is shown BBB PL 175-8. Swaged-in brass loop and plate shank.
#27 Butterfly Winged Head on Pearl
Art nouveau style woman’s head with butterfly wings in silver tinted brass is attached to dark pearl with cut steel jewels. Brass loop shank.
#28 Openwork Silver with Paste Jewels
A lovely openwork quatrefoil design in silver metal is studded with a multitude of faceted paste jewels graduated sizes. Heavy metal loop shank.
#29 Crying Baby Early Blumenthal Bkmk
The Crying Baby in openwork brass with floral garland border is mounted on a shiny mirrored steel back. Reverse shows bkmk B. BLUMENTHAL & CO, PAT. APPL’D FOR with plate and loop shank.
#30 Basket Horn Inlay
Pearl and brass wire inlay in dark horn with a sweet floral basket design featuring two prominent rose blooms. Brass loop shank.
#31 Hallmark Silver Cherubs
Two drapery clad cherubs seem to be conversing while one writes a love letter, on this Hallmark silver. Maker’s mark, Birmingham city marks, and date letter e for 1904 are on the upper front. A floret and leafy garland form the irregular scalloped border design. Silver loop shank.
#32 Ivoroid Windmill
A tinted and pressed ivoroid scene of a windmill. The ivoroid is rimmed with a narrow shiny metal liner and a brass rim with a stamped design. Shown BBB PL 262-14. Japanned steel reverse with loop shank.
#33 Rossi Smuggler’s Owl
Folk artist Frank Rossi of California created this wood carved glass-eyed owl with secret compartment, i.e. a Smuggler’s button. Magnets hold the front and back of the button together. When opened, there is a secret message just for the winning bidder! Signed and dated 2018 on the reverse, with Rossi’s signature heart. Carved self tunnel shank.
#34 Arita Mum Blossom
An Arita porcelain chrysanthemum bloom from Japan in colors of red, yellow, and green. Self shank.
#35 Enamel Windmill
A red windmill against the blue sky is the feature of this enamel on copper by studio artist Glenda Ott. Clear counter-enameling on the reverse. Applied brass plate and loop shank. Signed “g.Ott.”
#36 Bird Horn Inlay
A translucent horn button features an inlaid silver bird with prominent bill and double crest sitting atop and among flowering stems inlaid in brass wire and pearl. Inlaid glitter flecks form the ground. Some wear to the edge at 3 o’clock, 10, and 11. Brass loop shank.
#37 Openwork Jeweled Elephant
A large openwork French White features an Elephant with body covered in clear rhinestone pastes and framed by a beaded border design. Metal loop shank.
#38 Painted Pearl Red Riding Hood
A smoky pearl set in decorative brass was handpainted with Little Red Riding Hood picking flowers for her basket while the wolf looks on. Japanned reverse with metal loop shank.
#39 Tailed Creature Playing Pipes
Unique half-screenback button with a tailed creature playing pipes on one side against the bright-cut silvered brass, and a brass screen set with faceted steels on the opposite side. A decorated brass pole separates the 2 sides. Shown BBB PL 189-5. Brass U shank.
#40 Three Swallows Black Glass
A medium Div. I black glass features a molded design of three swallows. The three birds form a pleasing triangular shape. Brass plate and loop shank.
#41 Openwork Matte Enamel Jewel
Pierced brass Arts and Crafts design matte enamel in colors of salmon and green is embellished with three green jewels. Brass loop shank.
#42 Large Art Deco Bimini
Dark amber Bimini glass features an impressed dimensional angular design lustered half with gold and half with silver. Gold luster reverse shows brass backplate bkmk with Bimini’s potted tree trademark and MADE IN ENGLAND. Brass loop shank.
#43 Atlee Rabbit
A beautiful rendering of a running rabbit handpainted by artist Sara Atlee in 1997. This is #8 of 10 that were made. Backmark “8/10 Atlee 1997, Running Rabbit.” Applied brass plate with cut-out shank.
#44 Rare Beetle Reads Paper
A medium one piece silvered brass with copper tint features a large Beetle sitting on a chair reading his newspaper “Nouveau.” Etched details of floor and wallpaper. Loop shank.
#45 Oval Backmarked Rose
Oval transfer of a Rose in a pleasing brass oval mount with irregular border adorned by a tulip blossom at four points. Reverse shows brass U shank and bkmk plate reading “TWO WOMEN, Sanfrancisco.”
#46 Mixed Metal Woven Center
This interesting medium button shows no bkmk. However, it is reminiscent of the Mexican silver designers who sometimes used this mixed metal technique with silver, brass and copper. The woven center is in silver and brass with copper overlay and brass rim and back. Brass loop shank.
#47 Couple Dancing Studio
Charming hand painted dancing couple is protected by a clear acrylic coat. By studio artist Joyce Hendrickson of North Dakota. Reverse shows the artist’s business label “Originals by Joyce.” Applied silver plate and loop shank.
#48 Coiled Metallic Thread Couture
Unusual coiled and woven gold metallic wire fabric button. Threaded pad reverse.
#49 Feather Design Couture
French pearlized plastic couture with carved feathery leaf design. Elongated brass loop shank on the brass backplate with bkmk RAYGENE, PARIS, 18, MM.
#50 Silhouette Couple Carmel Glass
Sweet silhouette transfer on concave caramel glass of a fashionable 19th C. couple. He bows as he hands her a bouquet and she, holding her parasol, looks on with delight. Gold luster accent. Molded self shank.
#51 Moveable Charlie Chaplin
This unusual moveable parts button of Charlie Chaplain was the 2005 California State Show Button. Only a limited quantity were made. It has a spring on the back to give him that shuffle movement that he was famous for. Elongated loop shank. Bkmk CSBS 2005, Jaypin, TM.
#52 Engraved Greta Garbo Portrait
A large ivory with an incredibly detailed black tinted engraving of the early Hollywood film star Greta Garbo. By artist Jo Taber. Applied turned ivory shank. Signed “Garbo, Jo Taber, 98”.
#53 Les Miserables Studio
An extra-large square verbal button depicting the iconic artwork from the long running Broadway play “Les Miserables.” By studio artist Nancy Craig. Signed and dated 2017 on the reverse with brass loop shank.
#54 Copper Woman Driving Early Auto
An extra-large quality copper oval with irregular border featuring a woman driving an early automobile. Very nicely made old one. Copper loop shank.
#55 Realistic Victorian Hand with Cuff
Elegant realistic brass hand with painted black bracelet and silver cuff. Brass loop shank.
#56 Art Deco Glass
Very unusual triangle shaped Art Deco glass with lavender tint, center green-tinted stone, and gold luster accent. Brass four-way shank.
#57 Linley Piano Handkerchief Corners
Modern handkerchief brass corners in both solid and mesh border the brass baby grand piano over the star-shaped cork background. Signed Phil for Phil Linley. Metal loop shank.
#58 Park Scene with Musicians and Gazebo
Large oval white glass pictorial with black tint is mounted in Sterling silver. This charming scene depicts a lady with umbrella walking past musicians playing in a park gazebo. You need this for your music tray! Bkmk CST 98, STERLING. By Artist Cindy Tsubaki.
#59 Enamel Openwork Musicians
An extra-large, pierced, modern realistic enamel of two string orchestra musicians, a cellist and violinist. Another great music tray addition. Metal shank.
#60 Rzanski Ceramic Roses
A beautiful Rose is featured on this extra-large ceramic by Stella Rzanski, Self shank. Bkmk SR ’96.
#61 Diminutive Calico Jewel
A rare diminutive calico jewel with black pattern on the china rimmed in brass. Brass loop shank.
#62 Inlay Trio
A trio of three small horn inlay buttons including a star design, a floral stem, and a silver inlaid lily of the valley design. The lily of the valley is inlaid in tortoise laminated over horn. The star design has a whistle sew-thru shank. The others have brass loop shanks.
#63 Painted Chipmunk on Leather
An extra-large leather button features a handpainted chipmunk sitting amongst oak leaves and acorns. The embossed border repeats the oak leaf and acorn motif. By studio artist Hope Boltz. The reverse is signed “Hope” with a metal loop shank.
#64 Bakelite Horse Head
An Art Deco styled carved butterscotch bakelite horse’s head is mounted in a rimmed applejuice bakelite disk. Metal loop shank.
#65 Diminutive Enamel
An elegant diminutive enamel in colors of royal blue, white, and jewel-tone red is mounted in a straight sided silver rim with serrated edge. Reverse shows maker’s mark within a diamond. Silver loop shank.
#66 Leather Steeplechase
This embossed leather design depicts a steeplechase rider within a horseshoe border. Metal hump shank on plate.
#67 Italian Murano Glass
This Italian made button features colorful Murano glass, each with center gold pin, attached to a shiny gold-tinted metal disk. The original owner purchased this button in Milano, Italy in 1991. Metal loop shank.
#68 Horse Silhouette Over Butterfly Wing
A rearing horse reverse painted in silhouette on the glass which has been mounted over iridescent blue butterfly wing. Set in a brass rim and back. Signed “PhiL” for Phil Lindley. Brass loop shank.
#69 Amino Resin Fox Sew Thru
A 1930-40s era large coat button, probably for one made of fur, featuring a fox curled around the face of the button. Molded amino resin in brown. Shown BBB PL 25E-13. Two-hole sew thru. Bkmk POLAND.
#70 Ivoroid Bird
This large sepia tinted ivoroid features a bird flitting amongst the grasses against the brown painted background. Reverse shows a bkmk of three stars with the numbers 3 and 6. Metal loop shank.
#71 Unmarked Artid with Archers
This unmarked Artid amino resin features a scene of two medieval archers battling with snakes wrapped around their arrows. One archer has a halo-like rayed design around his head. It would be interesting to know the story behind this scene. Molded self shank.
#72 Painted Kingfisher in Bidri
A kingfisher bird handpainted on a thin wafer mounted in the oval bidri frame. The wafer material may be vegetable ivory. Heavy metal loop shank.
#73 Cock with Jewel Fable
A fabulous brass rooster head in high relief sports a green glass jewel for his eye and holds a larger faceted green glass jewel in his beak. This fable button depicts the tale of “The Cock and the Jewel.” A similar button is shown BBB PL 153-1.
#74 Janeway Ceramic Horse
A black glazed ceramic featuring a sweet resting horse by noted American ceramist Carol Janeway, active in New York City in the 1940’s and 1950’s. The main venue for her ceramics was Georg Jensen Inc. from 1942 -1949. The reverse is signed JANEWAY with a self shank.
#75 Gaumond Dahlias Paperweight
Dahlia blooms seem to float inside this clear oval paperweight with black base by studio artist Mary Gaumond. Signature cane on the reverse with copper loop shank.
#76 Opaline Glass in Etched Brass Border
A pretty cabochon of opaline glass is mounted in a brass border etched with a floral garland design. Threadback reverse.
#77 Cinnabar Horse
This scarce pictorial in carved cinnabar features a horse standing under a leafy tree. The red lacquered metal reverse has a metal hump shank and shows bkmk CHINA.
#78 Tiger Claw in Silver
This tiger claw set with a beaded silver cap and partial border design might be a Motiwala, as he advertised this type of button in his brochures in the 1950’s. However, as described in the BBB PL 98-10, the button may also be from the 19th century, as much tiger claw jewelry was made during that time. Elongated silver loop shank.
#79 Pearl with Paste Jewels
A lovely large smoky pearl is embellished with three claw set faceted paste jewels in the carved floral motif. Four hole sew-thru.
#80 Clover Aqua Lacy Glass
A medium Div. I lacy glass in scarce aqua color with a four leaf clover design embellished with silver luster. Some of the reverse paint is missing and there is a small reverse edge chip, but it does not show from the front. Brass hump shank.
#81 Large Lacy Glass
A large Div. I clear lacy glass is reverse painted in colors of gold, orange, and black and embellished with silver luster on the front of the sunflower design. Brass hump shank.
#82 The Little Colonel
A large and scarce one-piece brass button with an applied figure of “The Little Colonel,” shown BBB PL 194-12. The flat brass back has an engraved design of a wall and archway. The Little Colonel series of books for children was written starting in the late 1800s. This version has the brass escutcheon on a tinted and engraved flat brass back. Brass U shank.
#83 Rare Mary and her Lamb
This interesting one-piece cast brass version of the nursery tale portrays a back view of Mary, her long hair ribbon tied and books carried under her arm as she leads her wayward lamb away from the school building, visible in the background. Cast loop shank.
#84 Early Figural Embroidered Velvet
Fine early passementerie on black velvet fabric that was acquired through a French museum deaccession. This early 19th century (or older) work is in mint condition. The figure walking across the land appears to be dressed in finery. Metallic threads were utilized in his hat and cloak, and for the striping on his jacket and breeches. A seed bead border frames the scene. Threaded reverse.
#85 Painted Portrait with Hat under Glass
This beautifully rendered portrait of a woman in pink feathered and ribboned bonnet was handpainted on ivory. Set under glass with yellow metal rim and reverse. Metal loop shank.
#86 Silver Scene with Motto
An unusual hallmark silver depicting an outbuilding with corral holding livestock within a motto banner. There are also numbers (and letters?) on either side of the building. Silver loop shank. Sheffield city marks are on the reverse, along with a date mark of 1903 and maker’s mark.
#87 Precision Inlay Glass in Copper
Extra large button with looped heavy copper border and center of precision inlaid glass. Copper loop shank on a support bar.
#88 Jeweled Pearl in Gilded Mount
Ocean pearl set in gilt brass with beaded border. Curved bar of clear and sky blue pastes trims the pearl. Brass loop shank on the gilt reverse.
#89 Enamel over Straw in Gilded Mount
Here is a fabulous multi-material button featuring a rimmed petite floral enamel mounted over woven straw. The outer gilt metal rim has a delicate etched design. A similar button is shown in Viviane Ertell’s book The Colorful World of Buttons, PL 22-28. The convex gilt reverse has a wire U shank.
#90 Woman’s Profile on Horn
This old horn button featuring a woman’s profile shows its age but is notable for the interesting detail in the woman’s hair trimmings and jewelry. Metal loop shank.
#91 Jade Lotus Blossom
Early carved nephrite jade lotus blossom of Chinese origin. Jade has historically been considered the “imperial gem” in China, outranking gold and silver. Two-hole attachment.
#92 Hexagonal Satsuma in Silver
Chrysanthemum blooms in pink and gold decorate this old hexagonal Satsuma porcelain mounted in silver. Silver loop shank. Backmark symbol.
#93 Seven Figures Satsuma
A beautiful large old Satsuma depicting seven kimono clad figures. Three hold gold fans. Lots of gold detailing and a gold-patterned border. Reverse metal backplate with loop shank.
#94 Wisteria Satsuma
This lovely old Satsuma features a blooming wisteria tree above a bed of floral blooms. Cobalt border and reverse. Soft-edge self-shank. One small chip on the reverse edge does not show from the front.
#95 Seven Carved Fortune Gods
Seven polished bone convex disks, each carved with a face of one of the seven Japanese Gods of Fortune. Carved peg screw-in shanks.
#96 Skull and Crossbones Enamel
This rare enamel depicts a skull and crossbones in monotone shades outlined in gold. Mounted in a gilt rim and back. Metal loop shank.
#97 Gutta Percha Palaemon Mythology
Palaemon rides on the back of a fanciful tailed dolphin on this mythological 19th century gutta percha button. White metal inner rim embellishment. Self shank with thread grooves.
#98 Classic Warrior Carved Pearl
A cameo carved classic warrior’s head is framed by triple dyed concentric rings overlapped with a carved leaf motifs on this beautiful antique pearl. Brass loop shank.
#99 18th C. Cupid Reverse Paint
Cupid sits atop an elaborate pedestal on this reverse paint 18th century under curved glass with predominant use of gold leaf. Loop shank.
#100 18th C. En Grisaille Elephant
A rare medium 18th C. En Grisaille painting on ivory of an elephant. Set under glass in a copper rim and mount. Copper loop shank.
#101 Large Silver Couples Scene
This large Sterling silver depicts a jovial courting scene where it appears the young man has placed himself in a position atop the wall in order to offer a floral stem from the woman’s basket for her to admire. Beaded border design. Heavy silver loop shank. Bkmk STERLING.
#102 Shibayama Crane
An exquisite carved pearl inlay depicts a flying crane on this oriental ivory Shibayama. Self shank.
#103 Enamel Chrysanthemum
This large convex enamel depicts a colorful art nouveau styled chrysanthemum bloom with underlying baisse taille texturing. Several small areas of the enamel have been repaired. Gilt reverse with large U shank.
#104 Pearl Inlay in Pearl Mount
This unusual large pearl’s central feature is a smoky pearl cabochon precision inlaid in moon white pearl and beautifully mounted in brass filigree. This center piece was then set in the iridescent mother of pearl back with gold filled carved border design. Plate and loop shank.
#105 Four Figure Satsuma
Three Geishas and a child decorated this old Satsuma porcelain from Japan. Lots of gold detail. Soft edged self shank and bkmk signature.
#106 Enamel with Steels Group
Four small and one medium enamel buttons, all with cut steel embellishment, include two matching star designs, an openwork floral bloom, a floral stem reverse image design, and a portrait in Renaissance costume. Loop shanks.
#107 Cobalt Glass Quintet
Five small choice Div. I cobalt glass including gold filled incises retriever dog with bird pictorial, enamel paint floral design, classic brass head escutcheon, openwork passementerie design, and realistic oval shell. Two have self shanks. Three have brass loop shanks.
#108 Waving Goodbye
A large brass picture button titled “Waving Goodbye”, shown in the BBB PL. 205-15. A young woman waves her handkerchief as she stands behind a stairway balustrade. Wire loop shank.
#109 Green Dragon Satsuma
A green dragon with gold accent decorates this unusual old Satsuma with venetian red border. Smooth edge self-shank.
#110 Glass Pin Shank and Paperback Duo
Two choice and scarce Div. I buttons for your competition trays include this pin-shank Kaleidoscope and a paperback two-hole sew thru.
#111 Japanese Silver Mums
A trio of colorfully enameled chrysanthemums highlight this fine old Japanese silver button.
#112 Plique Butterfly
A large colorful butterfly is rendered in plique a jour enamel. Note the unusual use of clear, colorless enamel surrounding the butterfly. Silver wire U shank.
#113 18th C. Mirrored Pearl
A steel mirror backs the central starburst element on this pin-shanked 18th century pearl button with a raised hobnail border.
#114 18th C. Farmboy
A jaunty lad with his rake over his shoulder saunters past the public fountain on this ink-on-ivory drawing under glass accented by a silver rim. Silvered back and loop shank.
#115 Four Seasons Set
A set of four porcelain buttons features farm folk engaged in the activities of each season. Decorated with a combination of transfer and hand-painting, each button has a molded self-shank.
#116 Limoges Porcelain Girl
A transfer and luster-decorated modified square porcelain button features the portrait of a young woman. Bkmk LIMOGES FRANCE with self shank. A small chip on the reverse edge does not show from the front.
#117 Silhouettes on Porcelain
A silhouetted couple is depicted on this large porcelain mounted in metal. Japanned back with loop shank.
#118 Silver Inlay in Wood
A large wood button is inlaid with silver arranged in an intricate pattern. Loop and plate shank.
#119 18th C. Copper Flower
A large, brightly gilded 18th century copper button features a chased and bright-cut flower.
#120 Petoskey Stone Elephant
A trumpeting elephant is carved from polished Petoskey stone. Two-hole sew-thru.
#121 Paste Bordered Micromosaic Floral
Tiny glass tesserae from this colorful floral bouquet in the oval brass mount with openwork paste jeweled border. Brass loop shank.
#122 Winged Figure Verbal
A cast metal showing Winged Victory flying over the globe as she holds a laurel wreath and palm branch in one hand and a sword in the other, in commemoration of the 1796 Battle of Montenotte. The original medal design, originally commissioned in the early 1800’s, included a portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte on the reverse side. Loop shank.
#123 St. Cecilia at the Organ
The ever popular brass pictorial of St. Cecilia, patroness of musicians, at the organ. Dark brown background and pierced twinkle border. Shown BBB PL 247-18. Japanned reverse with metal loop shank.
#124 Porcelain Transfer
A polychrome transfer of a romantic couple in a pastoral setting is set in a silvered brass rim and back. There is an interesting firing flaw on the surface of the button, which doesn’t detract too much from the scene, but rather gives the couple’s garments some three-dimensionality. Brass loop shank.
#125 Goodyear Rubber Sextet
Six Goodyear rubber buttons from the 19th century including a square with swallow, a baseball, a wasp sew-thru, a fine weave pattern, head of Liberty, and a plain front two hole sew-thru. Four show the bkmk with 1851 date. The sew-thru and the square do not include the date.
#126 Skier Molded Wood
A skier works his sport on this molded wood composition with burgundy color. Self shank.
#127 Girl on a Swing
This medium pierced and tinted brass depicts a young girl enjoying a swing, with her skirt tucked between her legs. The scene is over a wood background. Shown BBB PL 203-4. Japanned reverse with loop shank. Bkmk T.W&W., HM, PARIS.
#128 Engraved Pinna Shell Figural
This exquisite rare pinna shell is engraved with a figure in tricorn hat standing upon an elaborately patterned crescent moon. Paint enhancement embellished the figure and gold tint fills the engraving. There is a minor chip on the reverse edge and a larger flaw which may have been original in the shell. Neither of these blemishes show from the front. Brass two-way shank.
#129 Painted Brass Fops
An interesting one-piece quality brass depicting a Fop and a Merveilluese walking in an outdoor setting. The scene has been embellished with a painted finish. Brass loop shank.
#130 Glass Cameo in Deluxe Brass
A large classical glass cameo head set in intricate silvered brass mounting and an outer border featuring three sets of graduating cut steels. Brass U shank.
#131 Jasperware Fire Fighter
A valiant fireman battles a high-rise fire on this large jasperware ceramic by studio artist Stella Rzanski. Self shank. Signed and dated SR ’91.
#132 Plaster Oriental Juggler
A large high-relief plaster from the mid 20th century featuring a Chinese juggler. From an award-winning tray of people in action. Metal loop shank.
#133 Engraved Pugilist on Ivory
Here is a determined man of action, a bare-fisted Pugilist, on a finely engraved ivory in exquisite detail, from the early 19th century. The rim and reverse of the button has been dyed green. Self turned shank.
#134 Green German Jewel
A striking Victorian era jewel button of German origin with a clear glass faceted center dome cabochon surrounded by a dozen faceted green glass spindle shapes mounted in a decorated brass. German bkmk. Metal loop shank.
#135 Holy Fair
A large and scarce brass picture titled “Holy Fair”, shown in the BBB PL 195-4. The title is in reference to a poem by Robert Burns of the same name describing men waiting by breaks in the fence while the girls take off their shoes. Japanned steel reverse with brass loop shank.
#136 Sporting Set
Four medium silvered brass buttons comprise this French sporting set which includes a running rabbit, game bird, charging boar, and leaping stag. Each shows bkmk PERFECTIONNE CT PARIS within a belt design. Metal loop shanks.
#137 Copper Dogs and Pheasant
Two hunting dogs have a pheasant spotted on this high relief copper pictorial with dark background tint. Reverse shows two air holes and the copper loop shank.
#138 Hector with Pictorial Border
A large brass of Hector, Trojan warrior. The border has an interesting design of dogs stalking through scrolls, aptly described as “dogs of war”. Shown BBB PL 173-9. Triple support shank with bkmk PARIS DEPOSE A P & Cie.
#139 Livery with Beaver and Wolf Head
A brass livery featuring a beaver, wolf head, and two trees on the crest. Bkmk FIRMIN & SONS LD, LONDON with brass loop shank.
#140 Silver Venus with Cupid
An openwork hallmarked silver with irregular scrolled border design depicts a scene with Cupid conferring with a seated Venus. Hallmarks on the lower front include London city and date mark 0f 1900. Silver loop shank.
#141 XLarge Baby Elephant
A baby elephant carved from white oyster shell is charmingly depicted by this extra-large realistic sew-thru button.
#142 Lava Cameo Portrait
A beautifully detailed hand-carved cameo of Italian stone depicts a capped and bearded man. Copper mount and loop shank.
#143 18th C. Copper and Pastes
A deluxe 18th century copper button with unusually elaborate openwork is embellished with pastes mounted on a separate copper element, and finished in silverplating.
#144 18th C. Muse with Lion on Silk
A rare 18th century printed silk under glass featuring a goddess or muse seated upon a vanquished lion. The scene is framed by a reverse painted border under the curved glass cover. Mounted in a copper rim and back. Similar buttons, from likely the same set, are shown in Ertell’s Colorful World of Buttons, PL16 – 8, and 9. Copper loop shank.
#145 V.I. Windmill
A windmill, the miller’s cottage, and a pair of conifers are carved into half a vegetable ivory nut, and highlighted by a border of the nut’s original bark. The back is signed “3-11-5 CM” and has a well-carved self-shank.
#146 Wessel Swimming Gator
This is one of Harry Wessel’s rare liquid-filled habitat watch crystals, this one featuring a little alligator.
#147 Liberty or Death
This enamel button commemorates the centennial of the French Revolution. The banner above the liberty cap on the tree of liberty translates to “Liberty or Death.” Copper back and loop shank.
#148 18th C. Pearl Cross
A paste-jeweled pin-shank centers an unusual cross design on this fine 18th century shell button.
#149 Rococo Revival Abalone
A Rococo Revival shell mounted in metal features a highly iridescent disk of abalone shell in a gilded mount embellished with cut steels. Wire loop shank.
#150 NBS 1944 Cow
This was the official favor button of the 1944 NBS National Show, and the back of the button carries this information. Made in a small quantity and rarely found. Heavy loop shank.
#151 Black Glass Aristocrat
A small Div. I black glass aristocrat button featuring a rose bloom and rosebud with stem and foliage. Brass plate and loop shank.
#152 Iranistan, P.T. Barnum House
This brass pictorial features Iranistan, the house built in 1848 by circus magnate, P.T. Barnum, at a cost of over $150,000. Unfortunately, this Bridgeport, Connecticut home was destroyed by fire in 1857. Japanned reverse with brass loop shank.
#153 Lampel Blown Glass
Scarce box-shaped blown glass by designer Fritz Lampel. Black lines swirling through the clear glass are contained by the gold lustered beaded border. Self shank.
#154 Bull in Doghouse
This brass pictorial features, in great detail, a bulldog sitting in and attached to his doghouse with a chain. Multiple cut steel trim and well defined border. Brass loop shank.
#155 Bird & Horseshoe Pearl Overlay
Beautifully carved bird and horseshoe of dark pearl attached to a light pearl base with four cut steels. Two-hole sew-thru.
#156 Extruded Celluloid Floral
A large creamy celluloid with a blooming rose center surrounded by multiple smaller rose blooms and an outer extruded loop border. Interesting “OCCUPIED JAPAN” bkmk. Metal shank.
#157 Lafayette Steel Cup
Detailed portrait of Lafayette (so-called) in this steel cup with half border of graduated cut steels. Similar button shown BBB PL 221-4. Steel wire U shank.
#158 Lithograph with Paste Border
A large lithograph of lovely young woman, or possibly young gent, wearing a huge feather trimmed hat is under glass with claw-set paste border. An area of the lithograph in the hat is worn. Brass loop shank.
#159 Nouveau Silvered Brass Over Pearl
Iridescent dark pearl background with silvered brass intertwined floral vines and lined border. A heavy, high-quality button. Brass loop shank.
#160 Ivoroid Rose on Shell Buckle
Very unusual buckle with carved leaves of green snail and attached ivorine roses with sepia tint. Brass buckle and pierced holes for extra sew-thru attachment.
#161 Hunter Over Green Snail
Brass escutcheon of a hunter holds a brace of birds as his dog looks on. Mounted on a very iridescent green snail disk. Brass plate and loop shank.
#162 Amethyst Gay 90’s
Faceted amethyst glass center mounted in brass with double border design. Open back with loop shank on a support bar.
#163 18th Copper with Weave
Beautifully stamped colonial copper with basketweave central motif. Copper shank.
#164 Head Over Galena
A medium brass classical woman’s head with galena background. Steel reverse with brass loop shank.
#165 Talon Pictorial Lacy Glass
Scarce Div. I lacy glass with bird talons design. It’s difficult to find pictorial lacy glass. Reverse paint virtually 100% intact. Four-way brass shank with thread grooves.
#166 Wood National Recovery Act
This rare pressed wood button is from the short two-year time period in U.S. history when the National Recovery Act was in place, from 1933 until 1935, when it was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The March 1956 issue of NBS includes an article about this button on p. 88. The front side shows a sunflower-like design. The reverse shows an eagle and the NRA stamping and a metal loop shank.
#167 Sara Lennox Zinc
A large tinned zinc of Sarah Lennox at Holland House, said to have been inspired by a Reynold’s painting. A similar version is shown BBB PL 203-3. Metal loop shank.
#168 Horn Inlay
A transparent horn is inlaid with iridescent pearl chips and a silver border design. Two tiny edge nicks. Swaged-in brass plate and loop shank.
#169 Japanese Lacquered Wood
A large and scarce Japanese painted lacquered wood with structure scene. There is some detail missing, so the exact intention of the artist is not discernible. Brass loop shank.
#170 Oriental Gilt Painted Pearl
An oriental figure and a structure, painted heavily in gold, form the scene on this dark pearl. Two-hole sew-thru.
#171 Enamel Duo
Two pretty enamels including an openwork embellished with steels on the inner screen, and a repeated floral motif framed with a cut steel border. The openwork is the more “economical” version of the deluxe version in Lot #268, embellished with pastes. Loop shanks.
#172 XLarge Adam and Eve
An extra-large, openwork silver button depicts Adam and Eve and the serpent in the garden, flanked by a pair of Putti. Long slab shank.
#173 18th C. Eglomise & More
This rare 18th century under-glass construction features a Neoclassical en grisaille painting on ivory surrounded by an inner border of tiny mirrors and outer border of patterned eglomise. Copper rim and reverse with loop shank.
#174 18th C. Enamel & Pastes
Cobalt enamel with a border of white pierreries is embellished with a cluster of pastes on this exceptional 18th century button. Gilt rim, rare bone back, and silvered copper loop shank.
#175 Silvered Nouveau Portrait
This large one-piece silvered brass features a Nouveau styled portrait of a pretty woman with flowers bedecking her upswept hair and her tresses flowing in the wind. Loop shank.
#176 Teddy Bear Pair
A Russian lacquered wood button is painted with a cute pair of teddy bears. Signed on the reverse. Metal loop shank.
#177 Monkey on Bidri
A monkey on a branch, painted on V.I., is framed by bidri metal work. Heavy metal loop shank.
#178 XLarge Deco Dog
A carved and painted wooden Scottie is applied to an extra-large walnut base on this fabulous Art Deco button. Double metal loop shanks.
#179 Eiffel Tower Under Glass
This extra-large button features a view of the Eiffel Tower under a glass shield mounted in metal. The words “Paris, Tour, Eiffel” are below the tower. Loop shank.
#180 Retriever on Agate
A gilded retriever escutcheon is mounted on pink agate on this unsigned button by Mud, Metal and Fire. Metal loop shank. A stress crack formed on the back, possibly when the shank was inserted, but the button is intact.
#181 Ruskin Ceramic Ball
A scarce unmarked Ruskin or Ruskin-type ceramic ball button with lovely lavender glaze. Self tunnel shank.
#182 Shell with Crossed Swords
A dark pearl disk is decorated with two crossed brass swords, each embellished with a red paste at scabbard. Cast pewter shank.
#183 XLG Rooster on Marbled Polymer
Extra-large polymer base with huge, wonderful gilt brass rooster head escutcheon. Wire pigtail loop shank.
#184 Italian Enamel with Water Lilies
This extra-large modern enamel originating from Italy features a lovely scene of colorful water lilies. The silver tinted reverse has a metal U shank.
#185 Abalone with Fish Border
A lovely abalone shell is framed by a pierced white metal border design comprised of three fish. This button is attributed to the late studio artist Geraldo Terranova. Cast loop shank on the support bar.
#186 Russian Enamel Angel in Silver
A large and beautiful handpainted rectangular porcelain enamel of an angel by a Russian artist. It is set in a silver frame and back and was done in a limited edition of only 10. It is signed, dated, and numbered on the reverse.
#187 Arts & Crafts Enamel on Silver
A lovely Liberty and Co. Arts and Crafts silver of a group of trees on a hillside with an autumn enamel sky for the background. By Liberty designer Cymric. Hallmarks on the reverse with loop shank.
#188 18th C. Primulas on Porcelain
This beautiful 18th C. porcelain features a handpainted design of Primulas and foliage inside a gold leafy garland. Shown BBB PL 253-5. Self shank with thread grooves. Marked “233”.
#189 18th C. Pearl with Paste and Marcasites
A gorgeous 18th C. pearl overlay set with center faceted paste and a multitude of faceted mirrors forming an inner border and set between the deep cut rays of the larger pearl layer. Copper convex plate and loop shank.
#190 Medium 18th C. Copper
A medium 18th century copper in two colors with concentric rings of different chased border designs. Heavy copper loop shank.
#191 Pierced Moonglow with Leaf
A small and scarce baby blue glass moonglow with a pierced design and a gold luster molded leaf image. Molded self shank.
#192 Oval Amethyst Gay 90s
A large oval pierced Gay 90’s with amethyst faceted stone set in a nouveau style brass featuring an intertwining ribbon design. Brass loop shank.
#193 Sphinx Glass in Brass
A fabulous turquoise glass depicting an Egyptian sphinx in a scene with hieroglyphs, pyramids, and a blazing sun. Green and red tint enhancement. Mounted in a brass rim and back. Brass loop shank.
#194 Burwood Giant’s Head
Extra large burwood Giant possibly from the children’s story “Jack the Giant Killer”. Applied to a brown celluloid disk. Metal loop shank.
#195 Meerschaum Bacchus
Very detailed bust of Bacchus, God of wine, carved from meerschaum, a soft clay-like material found in Turkey. Inserted metal loop shank.
#196 Helmet Shell Jugate Heads in Silver
Beautiful cameo carved helmet shell double profile (jugate) of two classic heads, one helmeted, the other without. The background is the luscious butterscotch color of the uncarved helmet shell. Silver rectangular mount with double rim. Reverse shows 925 silver mark and loop shank.
#197 Painted Butterfly on Horn
A brass butterfly with paint decoration is mounted on a natural horn. Backmark DEPOSE with three small stars and an inserted metal loop shank.
#198 Gothic Enamel with Cut Steel Border
A striking gothic style openwork enamel with center red floret and outer border of cut steel jewels. Gilt reverse with loop shank.
#199 Livery with Butterfly
Unusual silvered livery with a butterfly atop crossed arrows. An insect is a scarce crest. A tiny banner with a glove, or gloved hand is at the lower center. Bkmk FIRMIN, LONDON with brass loop shank.
#200 18th C. Rock Crystal Duo
Two small 18th century sleeve buttons, each with a rock crystal jewel. One caps silver repousse, and the other is mounted in a yellow metal ring. Rock crystal is actually quartz, a gemstone, so these would be a great addition to a gemstone tray.
#201 Enamel on Silver Duo
Two sweet small florals including a silver floral with green enamel background from Deccan, and a gold rose bloom under clear enamel on silver. The rose has bkmk SILVER and maker’s mark C.R.O. within a diamond. The other shows MADE IN DECCAN with other markings including a temple atop a swirling banner. Both have loop shanks.
#202 Deluxe Handpainted Portrait
A lovely lady’s portrait beautifully handpainted on ivory mounted under glass, in gilt metal, and with an openwork scalloped silver border bedecked with brilliants. Early 19th c. or possibly late 18th c. Loop shank.
#203 18th C. Dieppe Ivory with Paste Border
This stunning medium button features carved ivory from Dieppe, France, depicting a woman with a basket of flowers. The ivory is mounted over pink foil, set under glass, and mounted in silver with a border of beautiful brilliants. A similar button can be seen in Epstein and Safro’s book, Buttons, p. 27. Silver loop shank.
#204 18th C. French Revolution Lithograph
Here is a large and wonderful 18th C. hand-colored lithograph under glass featuring Lady Liberty holding a plaque inscribed with the French for “Rights of Man”. Copper rim and heavy copper loop shank.
#205 Div. I Flower Watch Crystal
A small Div. I black glass watch crystal featuring a single bell-type flower outlined in gold. Pitch reverse with brass loop shank.
#206 Micromosaic in Silver
A small 19th century micromosaic depicting a classic structure is set in black glass and mounted in silver. Silver loop shank.
#207 Brass with Fan, Rabbits, and Butterfly
This scarce and cute brass pictorial features an etched fan with a scene of two rabbits and a rising sun and a cut-out butterfly atop the fan. This fan escutcheon was mounted in the slightly concave cobblestone pattern brass back. Brass loop shank.
#208 Oval Jewel with Pearl
This striking Art Nouveau era oval brass features an off-set foil-backed green jewel framed by the openwork brass design backed with pearl. Brass reverse with brass U shank.
#209 Equestrian Wax Resist on Ivory
A rare wax resist design on ivory of a horse and rider jumping a fence. Swaged-in brass plate and loop shank. The reverse shows an age crack, but it is only surface deep and the button is intact.
#210 Figural Enamel with Steel Border
A child or young girl dressed in a pink and blue pinafore walks a path on this handpainted enamel. Pretty openwork border mount decorated with cut steel jewels. Reverse is counter-enameled. Elongated loop shank.
#211 Tortoise Palm Tree Inlay
Highly polished tortoise inlay with aluminum palm trees decorated with engraving. Wire U shank.
#212 Polar Bear Head
Tusk ivory carved in high relief depicts the head of a polar bear with added color tint detail. Self shank.
#213 Taxco Silver Parrot
This Taxco silver pictures a stylized parrot head. Designer bkmk AOR. Also bkmk TAXCO, 925, HECHO EN MEXICO. Silver loop shank.
#214 Acoma Earthenware
Native American earthenware of the Acoma Pueblo. Made from local clay and hand-painted using natural minerals and vegetable dyes. The Acoma have continuously occupied a mesa area in Arizona for over 2000 years, the oldest inhabited pueblo in the U.S.
#215 Bird Snapette
A fun “Snapette,” ca. 1930-40’s, featuring a painted wood flying bird (or duck) applied to the brass plate back. The “Snapette” shank pulls apart as a snap with a chain attachment keeping the backplate attached to the main piece.
#216 Feather in Horn
A feather is carved in this oblong polished antler horn. Two hole sew-thru.
#217 Native American Beadwork
Native American beadwork in turquoise, black and white. Leather reverse with cut-out shank.
#218 Zia Pottery Bird
An earthenware from the southwest. However, this is not the usual two-hole sew-thru Zia bird. The body is different and the bird is contained within a three-lobed border. Zia buttons were made for only a short time in the 1940’s.
#219 Silver with Turquoise
Extra-large convex Native American silver with pictorial symbols encircling the outer rim, scalloped border, and a center turquoise stone. Bkmk NICKLESILVER BELL with symbol of bell. Copper loop shank.
#220 Battersea Indian Chief
Battersea realistic pewter Native American Indian head with colorful feathered headdress. Bkmk © BATTERSEA 1995 FINE PEWTER with founder’s head shank.
#221 Peruvian Heads
Seven heads of indigenous Peruvians in hand painted composition. Six are medium size and one is a small size. From the 1950’s. A similar set is pictured in the NBS Bulletin July 2009, p 139. Also shown BBB PL 211A-22-23. Wire shanks.
#222 Paper Tight Top
An unusual paper covered pad-back button from the early 20th century. The printed paper fits snugly around the edge of the button and around to the back, firmly held in place by the reverse, like celluloid tight-top construction. The printed paper shows a portion of a transportation timetable.
#223 Water Sprite on Brass Shell
Here is a scarce brass scene featuring an Art Nouveau styling of a water sprite with flowing hair and lily bloom in hand as she emerges amongst the lily pads. The scene is applied to a realistic shell-shape reverse. Elongated brass loop shank.
#224 Goldfish Lucite
An extra-large square reverse-carved and colored goldfish in laminated lucite. Applied plastic plate and loop shank. Signed and numbered #9.
#225 Glass Mermaid Realistic
Lampwork glass realistic mermaid holding a brass sea shell. Unmarked, but may be attributed to Julie Clinton, as the original collector included it on a card of her work. Self shank.
#226 Flashed Glass Quartet
Very pretty small glass crystal buttons in varying design with flashed coloring. Self shanks.
#227 Arita Chrysanthemum
A pink and white chrysanthemum bloom against the black porcelain body on this rectangular Arita from Japan. Self shank.
#228 Ceramic Hat with Roses
A French made glazed ceramic in the realistic shape of a hat with colorful floral decoration and gold luster enhancement. Gold painted reverse with applied celluloid bubble shank.
#229 Jockey Cap
Very detailed brass Jockey Cap on a disk of silver tinted brass back. Metal loop shank.
#230 Pearl Captain’s Cap
An extra-large pearl in the realistic shape of a captain’s cap, with carved detail. Applied brass shank.
#231 Jasperware Statue of Liberty
White Statue of Liberty against an oblong shaped black jasperware base, by studio artist Shirley Shaw. Signed “Shirley ’86”. Self shank.
#232 Floral Foil Enamel
A gorgeous 19th century enamel with cream base is decorated with foil-backed flowers and leaves and handpainted flourish detail. An openwork border of glittering pastes frames the scene. Gilt reverse with metal loop shank.
#233 London Flower Seller
An extra-large tinted white metal pictorial of a London Flower Seller. This lovely scene features the seller, in her shawl and hat, nestled amongst large baskets of blooms. Cast shank.
#234 Handpainted Edwardian Portrait
An exquisite handpainted portrait on ivory of an Edwardian era lady in green trimmed dress and pearl necklace. Mounted under glass with an atypical border of pearlized glass cabochons and paste jewels. Gilt reverse with wire loop shank.
#235 Orchid on Blue Glass
An orchid bloom and another flower decorate this pretty blue glass button with scalloped border and silver luster enhancement. The reverse has been painted for a lacy-look, but was not originally lacy glass. Four-way brass shank.
#236 Consulting the Magic Mirror
A medium brass button titled “Snow White’s Stepmother Consulting the Magic Mirror”, showing a woman gazing at herself in the mirror. Shown BBB PL 211-4. Japanned steel reverse with metal loop shank.
#237 Woman on Balcony
A medium brass featuring a detailed scene of a woman looking out from her balcony at a mountain range view. Metal loop shank.
#238 Huge Peacock Trim Celluloid
Amazing and huge black slightly convex celluloid trim with a fabulous Peacock studded with green, blue, amber, and red glass paste jewels. Three celluloid bubble shanks on the reverse.
#239 Color Changing Jewel in Brass
A lovely color-changing glass cabochon centers this brass openwork jewel. The color moves from green to turquoise. Elongated brass U shank.
#240 The Little Eaglet
A one piece two-tone tinted brass depicting the famous actress Sarah Bernhardt as L’Aiglon, (the Little Eaglet), one of her greatest roles. Shown BBB PL 160-21. Fabulous design with the eagle border. Brass loop shank.
#241 Ceramic Rooster
A fanciful Rooster outlined in red is also an unglazed area of this cobalt glazed French ceramic. This may be a Line Vautrin design. Although not signed, the reverse has the same FRANCE bkmk and shank type as other known designs. Self turret shank with thread grooves. Back marked FRANCE on the shank.
#242 Egyptian Composition Scene
An unusual composition button, date unknown, with the Eygptian “Gardens at Karnak” scene which features a Sphinx, a boat at the pier, an egret, a potted plant, a palm tree, a temple structure, and a pyramid. Metal version shown BBB PL 262-23. Brass wire loop shank.
#243 Ivory Seal Scrimshaw
A scrimshaw engraved and carved ivory seal has endearing detail. Native Alaskan origin. Curved needle shank
#244 Copper Farm Scene with Donkey
This copper scene over wood features a man in a sombrero working a field with his donkey. By studio artist Ralph Briggs. Applied brass plate with cut-out shank. Signed and dated R.V.B. – 1975.
#245 Scrimshaw Moose on Polyester
A nicely executed scrimshaw on polyester of a bull moose in a mountain environment. Metal loop shank.
#246 Silver Cat with Abalone and Enamel
Cute, charming Mexican Silver realistic Cat. The silver body is inlaid with abalone and black enamel. Bkmk Hecho Mexico with silver loop shank.
#247 Three Ducks Tinned Zinc
Three repeated ducks form an attractive triploid design on this tinned zinc. Shown BBB PL 135-10. Japanned reverse with metal loop shank.
#248 Lucite Egrets
A large modern reverse-painted lucite features two white egrets standing in a purple-toned water puddle. Applied plastic plate and peg shank.
#249 Brass Bison
Great detail on this quality 19th C. brass bison head, a hard to find subject matter. Brass reverse with copper loop shank.
#250 Burwood Scottie
Pressed wood composition from the 1930’s features a single Scottish Terrier (more atypical than the usual double version) in nice detail. Metal loop shank.
#251 Silver Gnome, Wolf, and Toadstool
A rare openwork silver version of the scarce “Gnome, Wolf and Toadstool.” A little gnome converses with a wolf as he stands next to a tree stump – or is it an entrance to an underground hideaway? A toadstool is in the foreground. Shown BBB PL 183-16. Silver loop shank.
#252 Sam Biern Tortoise
A brass tortoise rests inside the rimmed brass cup mount for this button by New York designer Sam Biern. Bkmk SAM BIERN, N.Y.C. with brass loop shank.
#253 Copper Cat Face
A finely detailed copper Cat Face is mounted in an outer ring of ebony wood on a brass back with inner and outer rim. Metal loop shank.
#254 Brass Lily of the Valley
A ribbon-tied bouquet of lily-of-the-valley stems is visited by a winged pollinator on this dark-tinted brass. Japanned reverse with metal loop shank
#255 Taber Engraved Frog
A charming frog engraved on ivory and painted with colored inks by studio artist Jo Taber. She also did Greta Garbo, Lot #52 in this auction. Signed and dated “Jo Taber,1999.” Carved turret shank.
#256 McClellan Tintype
A very rare tintype featuring George McClellan, Civil War Union general, and later unsuccessful Democratic party nominee in the 1864 re-election of Lincoln. His last held political office was as the Governor of New Jersey. Tin reverse with wobble loop shank.
#257 WW I Liberty Locket
The scarce World War I locket button made by the Liberty Mfg. Co. of Los Angeles, CA. Shown BBB PL 277-10. This hinged button opens to reveal two celluloid protected spaces to hold pictures of the faraway loved ones. This button actually holds the original wearer’s chosen photographs. Backmarked LIBERTY MFG. CO. LOS ANGELES. CAL. PATS. PEND. with brass loop shank.
#258 Temperance Golden Age
This scarce Golden Age button was worn by young men of the “Cold Water Army” of the 1820’s, organized by temperance crusaders to fight against “demon rum.” An eagle is depicted above the lettering. Bkmk RICH ORANGE with six stars. Loop shank.
#259 Third Avenue Pigeon Bride
A pretty young woman holds a pigeon on this Third Avenue silver that has been titled “Pigeon Bride”. An excellent article and worksheets on Third Avenue buttons can be found on the website “Button Country” at http://www.buttoncountry.com/3rdAve-1.html. Bkmk KNOPF KONIG GRAZ with loop shank.
#260 Third Ave Ships and Sphinx
Another Third Avenue silver button depicting sailing ships sailing along a pier wall with a sphinx sitting atop. Bkmk KNOPF KONIG GRAZ with loop shank.
#261 Composition Hunter with Dog
A dark tan molded composition features a hunter and his dog on this old, ca. 1880, button. Metal loop shank.
#262 18th C. Stripe Pattern Copper
An 18th C. copper with an interesting stripe pattern composed of fine engraved lines and a repeated vertical pattern of chased ribbon and floral motifs. The center chased circle area has been silvered. Heavy copper loop shank.
#263 Pearl Overlay Architectural Scene
A gorgeous architectural scene comprised of a carved and pierced overlay of temple columns, stone terrace, and palm branch border mounted over gold-filled engraved pearl back. Two cut steel jewels join the two pearls. Swaged-in brass plate and loop shank.
#264 XL Coachman’s Pearl
A superb extra-large Coachman’s pearl with a finely detailed inked engraving of a coach and four with two coachmen. A two-story inn with lion welcome flag and smoke from the chimney fills half the background, while the rolling countryside fills the other half. Swaged-in brass and loop shank.
#265 Caravel
One piece brass titled “Caravel”, depicting a ship with full sail under a steel star and a sky with crescent moon, birds in flight, and a hot air balloon. This version has a steel star embellishment in place of the sun face. Shown BBB PL 241-7. Brass loop shank.
#266 Queen Elizabeth II Horn Portrait
A molded black horn with a detailed portrait of the young Queen Elizabeth II, made at the time of her coronation in 1953. Self shank.
#267 Glass Head on Pearl
A classic female head in black glass was applied to the slightly convex smoky pearl disc. Brass loop shank on cone-shaped plate.
#268 Jeweled Screenback with Enamel
A colorful enamel border frames the glittering paste jewels that decorate every intersection of this brass screenback. Brass loop shank.
#269 Jeweled Pearl Comma
A most exquisite polished pearl in smoky iridescence is decorated with brilliants in the cut-out comma design. The brilliants are mounted in a brass curve attached via four cut steel jewels visible on the front. The surface of the pearl is beautifully carved with leafy floral stem motifs. Brass plate and loop shank.
#270 Queen Victoria Lithograph Glove
A polychrome lithograph of Queen Victoria in headscarf and crown is under celluloid and mounted in a brass rim on this small glove button. Typical glove button bar shank.
#271 Carved Ebony Mask
An African mask carved from ebony wood. Carved low peg tunnel shank.
#272 Bakelite Mask with Moveable Earrings
An African mask in molded bakelite with painted detail and moveable wire earrings. Metal loop shank.
#273 Netsuke pair
Two fabulous carved ivory Netsuke figures, or Katabouri, in sepia tint. A seated elderly woman works food over a wood chopping block with a basket of goods nearby. And a seated gentleman holds what may be a closed umbrella in his hand. Carved tunnel shank attachment.
#274 Carnelian Pinshank Spindle
Carnelian gemstone with banded varied coloring in a spindle shape with brass pinshank.
#275 Carved Boxwood Dragon
An intricately carved dragon from boxwood has wrapped himself quite securely around a ball. Beaded black glass eyes. Asian import. Signed by the artist. Carved peg shank.
#276 Woman at Loom
A woman works a loom on this copper scene mounted on wood by studio artist Ralph Briggs. Attached brass plate with cut-out shank. Signed R.V.B.-1978.
#277 Sphinx & Pyramids Under Glass
This large, deluxe, glass-in-metal button features a hand-painted scene of the Great Sphinx of Giza and two pyramids. The gilded mount has a cloisonne enamel back. Loop shank.
#278 Egyptian Queen
An extra-large quality silvered metal depicts the head of an Egyptian Queen against a rayed background with interesting outer border weave design. Reverse shows two air holes and the loop shank.
#279 XLG Celluloid Multi-Paste Jewel
An extra-large layered celluloid with outer gray marbleized coating and center slightly domed glitter coat embellished with pink and clear rhinestones. Double metal loop shanks.
#280 Picasso Italian Ceramic Set
An original card of eight glazed ceramic buttons from Italy, four in fun solid colors, and four with a design based on Picasso’s “Bouquet of Peace.” The solid colors are four-hole sew-thrus, the florals are two-hole.
#281 Metal Scrollwork over Leather
Silver metal scrollwork with a real flourish is mounted on a dark brown leather-covered button. Applied plastic plate with peg shank.
#282 Pinwheel Jewel
A fanciful openwork white metal rayed petal design is claw set with faceted red glass jewels and embellished with turquoise glass beads. Loop shank.
#283 Huge Celluloid Art Deco Sun Design
Exceptionally large (extra!) mottled brown celluloid features a surface molded Art Deco sunburst design sprinkled with green paste jewels. Brass loop shank.
#284 Jewel with Multiple Borders
Four brass borders encircle the center brown glass on this interesting Victorian era jewel. Brass loop shank.
#285 Martha Sleeper Bakelite Clown
A medium realistic Clown button in Bakelite by Martha Sleeper from the middle of the 20th century. Martha Sleeper was an actress, but we remember her best as the creator of whimsical adornments from Bakelite. Metal loop shank.
#286 Cupid Piping to the Moon
Here is Cupid sitting atop the Man in the Moon while piping a tune to him. Blue and white ceramic jasperware by studio artist Stella Ryzanski. Signed and dated SR ’91 with self shank.
#287 Dancer Under Glass
A small reverse painted design under glass features a dancer in motion. Mounted in white metal rim and back. Cut-out shank.
#288 Hallmark Putti
This cast silver design depicts a Putti in play as his drapery swirls with the wind while he runs holding a flag. Hallmarks on the front include maker’s marks, London city, and date mark of 1901. Cast slab shank.
#289 Square Floral Enamel
A large medium attractive square-shaped gilt metal with a center floral design in colors of turquoise, white, and green. A black enamel design frames the scene. Brass loop shank.
#290 Realistic Mandolin
A fun realistic for your music tray is this painted wood mandolin. Tunnel shank.
#291 Bakelite Utensil Set
This spiffy red bakelite utensil set consisting of a knife, fork, and spoon is not an easy set to find. Two-hole sew-thrus.
#292 X-Large Cloisonne Enamel
This beautiful old cloisonne button of impressive size was made in China during the late 1800’s. Reverse is counter-enameled with heavy metal shank.
#293 Satsuma Geisha Portrait
This old Satsuma features a lovely portrait of a Geisha against a gold-dotted background and framed by an outer cobalt border patterned with gold. The glazed reverse shows a soft-edged shank with thread grooves.
#294 Oriental Black Glass Ko-Ko
A rare Div. I black glass version of Ko-Ko, the Lord High Executioner from “The Mikado” by Gilbert and Sullivan. The metal version is shown BBB PL 237-7. Lots of fabulous detail. Ko-ko holds a patterned fan in one hand, as multiple butterflies flit around him amongst the floral blooms. Brass plate and loop shank.
#295 Ivory Elephant
A beautifully executed cameo carved tusked elephant is featured on this slightly domed one-piece ivory. Carved self shank.
#296 Pyrographic Cabin on Wood
A cozy cabin in the wood has been pyrographically engraved on this wood button. Self peg shank. Signed “D.”
#297 XLG Amethyst Victorian Jewel
This extra-large Victorian era button features a center foil-baked amethyst faceted jewel mounted in the brass with multiple border designs. Metal hump shank.
#298 Astraea
A large flat brass with a relief escutcheon of the head of Astraea against a five pointed star. Cut steel jewels decorate the star points. The brass back is finely engraved with shooting star designs. Shown BBB PL 171-12. Brass loop shank.
#299 Art Nouveau Silver Portrait
An openwork silver with an Art Nouveau styled head of a young woman with a floral garland. Flower blooms also surround her head. Reverse shows registry number bkmk. Silver loop shank.
#300 Netsuke with Moveable Head
A polymer Netsuke woman carries a large pot with rope handle in one hand and a knife and scabbard in the other. Her clothing is delightfully decorated in inked patterns. And amazingly, her head rotates a full 180 degrees revealing that a half turn will give her a different expression. Tunnel shank.