Hard Rubber Acron Touch Button

Buffum collection, inventory #78

Purchased on July 24, 2014 from Post Fall, ID. String of 95 assorted old buttons. End button is a hard rubber acorn with a sort of greenish appearance. Other buttons include vegetable ivory, matte black glass  balls, waistcoats, one with a tlip on it, clambroth glass, brass flower, black glass with silver luster, black glass with gold luster, shoebutton, charmstring glass, white glass, composition whistle, horn sew thru, black glass pictorials, metal man’s head, chinas, leather, brass with steel Asian scene with pierced border, brass conventionals, yellow glass, sew thru oval embossed composition, dyed shell (deep blue),black metal with ribbed celluloid top.

Loop of all Small Buttons

Buffum collection, inventory #77

Purchased  June 5, 2014 from Garrison, IA. String of 171 small to diminutive size buttons tied in a loop. Buttons include a Civil War era eagle cuff button, black glass, brass, dyed vegetable ivory ball, charmstring glass including overlays, swirlbacks, applied tips, coronets, MOP, hard rubber, glass berry top set in metal, glass set in metal, waistcoats, chinas, shoe button, steel, white glass, glass set in metal with galena, china birdcage. The most interesting item on the string if a dress trim piece that is a tiny fluted brass ball from which a tiny open brass star dangles.

Bold Glass Set in Metal

Buffum collection, inventory #76

String of 106 buttons purchased May 17, 2014 from Lancaster, PA. Touch button is a large plain clambroth glass button, This small string contains many glass beads and glass dress trim pieces as well as the buttons. Other buttons on the string include-large black metal, glass set in brass including  molded white glass with brown streaks  set in deep brass drum, small brass circus cat bursting through ring, small original tint purple on brass, small hard rubber buttons with backmarks N.R.Co Goodyear’s P=T, old heavy shank metal button, many china buttons in black, brown, tan, white, blue and green, green and white marbled modified cone charmstring glass button, black glass with gold designs, black glass with lusters, black glass with silver design, three gilt buttons, cuff size general service eagle button with backmark EXTRA QUALITY, brass disk button backmarked DOUBLE GILT, small stamped horn with floral design, small female head horn button, small brass disk with red fabric inset, perfume buttons, there is one shank from a broken kaleidoscope on the string, brass horseshoe whistle button, steel ball button, steel disk button, small brass drum with speckle foil under glass, beaded top composition button, brass with original red tint and brickwork pattern, clambroth dome top button with black star pattern on top, black glass whistle button, brass lady bug on a leaf with green tint background picture button, brass with wallpaper pattern oval buttons, small brass with white glass shell inset, brass flowers with wire mesh background, ruby glass with gold line pattern, brass and steel ball buttons, white glass swirlback with black glass coronet top. Cotton string is in good condition. Buttons strung loosely.

A Recreation

Buffum collection, inventory #75

This string was strung by Susan Buffum on April 12, 2014 in Westfield, MA. It is comprised of better buttons from her collection. The touch button is a large brass button with a DUG center. There are approximately 315 buttons on the string. Buttons include  a brass watchcase hunt button of a stag with a backmark of SUPERIOR QUALITY EXTRA RICH), veil button, black glass, white glass, Golden Age and gilts, many assorted ball buttons some with color or goldstone swirls, many waistcoats with different glass centers in assorted colors and styles, silver thread wrapped glass ball, swirl backs, charmstring colored and clear glass, dewdrops, kaleidescopes, small enamel on brass, horn, hard rubber, bone, openwork brass, MOP with steels, black glass with silver luster, small brass female lion tamer, small brass harpy picture button, oval ruby glass sew thru, clambroth glass, china bullseyes, natural horn with fox head, Venetian glass, Popper with shaped top, glass set in metal, General Army service cuff button, peacock’s eye, black glass with blue fabric, coronets, oval enamel set in brass, Jenny Lind waistcoats, Jenny Lind not set in metal (white glass), original tint brass, black and white glass scenic waistcoat, painted glass, salt glazed glass, lithograph female head under celluloid. Brass with steels, plain chinas, chine with luster sew thru.

Multiple Post Office Buttons

Buffum collection, inventory #74

Purchased February 14, 2014 Placerville, CA. Came with charmstring poem written by seller, original cloth bag the buttons were found in. Lost was the original tag indicating that the buttons had belonged to Mimi Stroh, but a photo of the card, bag and poem was included. Buttons were restring by seller as string had broken. String of 178 buttons, most in nearly pristine condition. Touch button is a brass woman with cherub. Buttons include brass conventionals, brass crane with original green tint, china sew thrus, china bullseyes, vegetable ivory, black glass with iridescent color, pigeon eyes, cuff size Railway POD brass buttons, early general service button no bm, matte black glass ball, metal sew thru, diamond-shaped black glass, assorted waistcoats, calico sew thru, black glass sew thru with goldstone, MOP, china ringers, charmstring glass, brass ball, black glass ball with green swirls, ivoroids, large brass with white glass dot center, small brass picture buttons, oblong black glass, metal with celluloid inset, small square pierced brass, ruby glass oval, white metal, clambroth glass, small brass Egyptian head, white glass, MOP inset in composition grapes, hard rubber, composition whistle, etched MOP sew thru, dyed vegetable ivory.

Many Kaleidoscopes

Buffum collection, inventory #73

String of 344 buttons purchased February 14, 2014 Port Saint Lucie, FL. The string had broken into three sections, and two additional sections with newer celluloid tight tops and plastic buttons were included. The older sections of the string were double cotton string. The string was fragile. Buttons could not be restrung on the original string, so were cleaned and restrung on waxed linen cord. On February 22, 2014. The string is comprised of antique and vintage buttons and vintage glass beads. This string of buttons has 9 intact kaleidoscope buttons. There were an additional 7 kaleidoscope base shanks removed from the string that had lost their glass tops. These tops were not with the string any longer. One kaleidoscope top came off during shipping and was re-glued to its correct base. Three original charmstring glass buttons were not restrung on this charmstring. Two identical molded purple glass charmstring buttons were kept aside as one is perfect while the other shows flashing from the molding process around one edge were glass seeped out of the mold and was not sanded or cut away. The other is a modified red glass cone with an applied white tip that has a flat back and a loop shank embedded at the top possibly to be used as trim on a garment.

   Touch button is a large brass with molded white glass pinwheel pattern center with black paint on the spokes of the pinwheel. Other buttons included a heavy large faceted amber glass button, 3 veil buttons, red velvet ball button, heavy large matte black glass ball button, assorted sizes and styles of black glass buttons, numerous glass radiants with assorted colors on back, many types of charmstring glass in blue, turquoise, green, red, amber in diminutive to small sizes, glass set in metal, design under glass, assorted chinas in black, white, green, blue, orange, brown, green and pink, clear glass, brass, Golden Age bm Wadham & Coe EXTRA RICH, early 1-piece plated infantry eagle with shield with ’I’ in center coat button with A W Spies bm (Albert’s bicentenntial edition, pg 36, #79 C3), 1 small, 2 diminutive china birdcage shank buttons, hard rubber, crackle glass set in metal, small horn raised female profile, shoe buttons, assorted colored glass beads (turquoise, white, amber, black), flat square white glass button, assorted waistcoat buttons, black glass fly, embossed vegetable ivory, pierced vegetable ivory, black glass with speckled color and goldstone, large big swirlback blue base with clear glass dome and goldstone swirl inside, brass coventionals, assorted ball buttons

Large Celluloid Leaf

Buffum collection, inventory #72

String of 117 buttons purchased January 5, 2014 from Heuvelton, NY. The buttons are strung on what appears to be a length of picture  wire. Touch button is a somewhat dented watchcase hunt button depicting two running dogs with bm of Wadham & Co SUPER FINE, black glass assorted styles, early General Service military brass button bm EXTRA QUALITY, NEWER General Service army button bm AM Button CO NEWARK, NJ, beaded ball button, japanned metal with cut steel embellishment, red Victorian glass, brass minute man, black glass with white & goldstone, composition with shell inlay, brass conventionals, MOP, twinkle, celluloid set in metal, glass set in metal, pierced brass, pressed horn, large glass set in metal,  ruby glass, small brass celluloid inset with red glass, later military general service bm SCOVILL MFG WATERBURY, stamped metal wheat and scythe, china sew thru, celluloid & metal, hard rubber, tombac, small picture buttons, Bohemian glass, small original tint hand holding sword, bright pewter, small pressed horn flowers, large dimensional celluloid leaf, radiant glass, clambroth, horn head, harp button bm SHANNON & MILLER< NEW YORK, MOP watch gear w/steel

Nice Coronet with Lampwork

Buffum collection, inventory #71

String of 62 mainly diminutive with some small buttons strung on a thin copper wire purchased 12/29/13 from Heuvelton, NY. Seller states buttons were found in a trunk in an attic. Buttons include dimi Bohemian glass,. Dimi brass conventionals and gilts, lacy black glass, dimi china with birdcage shank, vegetable ivory ball, shoe buttons, amethyst glass swirlback with clear coronet top and white lampwork dots, carved vegetable ivory ball, dimi waistcoats and chinas, black glass with cross at center and gold paint background, light purple enamel over brass, dimi waistcoat with incised five point star in clear glass that has 3 points still with original gold paint, oblong shaped flat steel, scalloped edge, dimi hard rubber ladybug, dimi clear mirror, small hard rubber cross button, assorted black glass, faceted black glass ball

Buttons of Varying Ages

Buffum collection, inventory #70

String of 55 buttons on thin wire. Purchased December 23, 2013 Spokane, WA. Buttons consist of assorted antique/vintage to modern small and diminutives. Materials and button types include composition, 2-pc Czech glass, self shank Czech glass, white glass, self shank Czech glass, plastic made to look like metal, small jeweled button with blue stone and painted brass border, steel cups, brass, white metal, brass embossed ball, pierced brass, carved vegetable ivory, MOP that really glow, charmstring glass, hard rubber, composition ball, black glass, red swirlback glass button with white painted design on top, original tint on brass, black glass silver luster, dimi pierced black glass flower, horn, whistle button, blue bead.

Drum with Glass Inset Touch Button

Buffum collection, inventory #69

String of approximately 132 buttons purchased December 23, 2013 Heuvelton, NY. Seller claims string was found in a trunk in an attic. This is the second of the strings she has offered from same source. These buttons range in size from large to small. They are string on a thin copper wire. Touch button is a large thin drum with speckle design under glass. Notable buttons are hard rubber disk button with border (bm N.R. Co Goodyear’s P=T 1851), black glass with block letter ‘S’ design, brass button with crown above three stacked cannons and a banner ‘UBIQUE” (bm P+S Firmin 153 Strand), brass button with TCC and two figures over tiny banner with the word Excelsior in capital letters beneath (bm Scovills & Co, Waterbury), brass head escutcheon on embossed horn, tombac buttons, Goodyear backmarked hard rubber buttons, pinshank MOP, brass star (bm EXTRA FEIN), horn (bm L.G.J.F. Caen), old metal button with flat shank, drum with fabric inset, hard rubber Goodyear acorn, birdcage shank china (plain top, ribbed top), square stamped brass, metal with galena & black glass center, cuff and collar brass IRA buttons with three-leaf cloves on striped field (larger one had bm with stars), gilt, steel ball with steel ball knob, waistcoat with white glass with painted black and gold fly, celluloid tight top, blue/white china, dewdrop, radiant, black glass castle and bridge, salt glaze black glass modified cone, small brass with US 12 star flag with word UNION top and 13 stars to left side

All Smalls on Copper Wire

Buffum collection, inventory #68

Purchased 12/15/13 from Heuvelton, NY. Buyer states found charmstring in a trunk in an attic. Buttons are on a thin copper wire. All are small to diminutive in size. Approximately 122 buttons, mostly brass, glass, china, MOP. Dimi black glass with iridescent green foil dot top, faceted steel ball, gold and clear flat mirror disk buttons, black glass ball with clear/white foil dots, waistcoats, gray china, charmstring glass, steel cone, brown hard rubber buttons (bm N.R.Co), dimi pink china button, black glass anchor waistcoat, horn, blue glass man’s head, left profile waistcoat (worn), openwork brass knot, crackle glass dome waistcoat.

Large Cameo

Buffum collection, inventory #67

Purchased 12/08/13 from Tucson, AZ. Approximately 104 buttons strung loosely on a cotton string, mainly small and diminutive in size.  End button is a small stamped brass flying eagle. Notable buttons are blued steel disc with faceted steels, metal back and unknown material cameo, MOP with brass knob (that has glue around it may not be original), brass embossed star, dimi black glass, red glass in brass waistcoat, dimi white china cone, dimi gold mirror, white glass in metal, 3 dimi enamel on brass buttons, waistcoats, domed imitation fabric (color is iridescent purple), vegetable ivory, brass enamel and faceted steel, black glass, clear and colored glass, dimi pinshank Goodyear domed ribbed hard rubber (bm N.R.Co P=T), metal with red celluloid inset, black glass snowflake, shoe buttons, fabric set in brass, high relief white glass Jenny Lind, charmstring glass, gold glass ball button with black and white swirls, jade green glass swirlback disc-shaped buttons (2), Bohemian glass, black glass with fern, red veg. ivory dimi whistle, veg ivory with embossed pattern, tiny kaleidoscope, dimi amber glass sew thru, round brass domed twinkle, waistcoat with two roses, stamped brass, white metal boar, china, Deknatel oriental Mikado theme button small, brass pierced enamel, white metal tulips, painted metal.

Many Black Glass

Buffum collection, inventory #66

Purchased from Ocala, FL on December 2, 2013.  String of approximately 256 buttons, the majority of them various types of black glass. Assorted other buttons of various ages along the string. Touch button is a large square brass button with border and stamped got and square central design. There are silver luster black glass, design and pictorial, black glass with geometric designs, lacy black glass in various sizes, small black glass with paint imitating wood, black glass with gold luster, black glass with silver luster cat head, waistcoat with crackle glass, kaleidoscope with red and white “snakeskin” design, brass ball buttons, brass spindle button, large black glass with imitation fabric painted border, pewter, white metal, faceted black glass, bright pewter. 

Many Charmstring Glass on a Loop

Buffum collection, inventory #65

String of 120 buttons tied in a loop purchased November 7, 2013 Leslie, MI. There are two drum buttons with openwork tops, brass self-shank, charmstring green glass button with faceted top and a blue one just like it, swirlbacks, cones, small brass flower buttons, gold and yellow charmstring glass buttons, clear glass, red glass, cobalt blue glass, turquoise glass charmstring buttons, chinas, brass openwork knot button, glass berry top set in brass, shoe button, black glass with border and imitation fabric center swirlbacks, dew drops blue and green, MOP disk, black glass horse head set in brass waistcoat, clambroth, beaded black button, diminutive hard rubber rose button, faceted steel set in cup-shaped pearl button– colorful string with some pretty buttons on it.

Came in a Biscuit Tin

Buffum collection, inventory #64

Purchased October 17, 2013 from Southern Pines, NC. This string was bought at an estate sale and was in a tall cylinder metal canister labeled Ontario Biscuit Company and had once contained chocolate wafers. There was a note in the can stating the string had belonged to “Aunt Hattie who had passed away at age 90 in 1944”. Aunt Hattie had been born in 1854 and these buttons date from the early to mid 1800’s. There are approximatelt 415 buttons on the string. They were shipped as found at the estate sale in the canister with the note and a card with two amazing stud buttons. The string had been tied in a loop when found but the string broke during shipping. I left as much of the buttons on the original string as possible, reinforcing that string with a running waxed linen cord through as many of the shanks as possible, and restrung the buttons that had fallen off the broken string. Light cleaning was done to remove the grime of age and some green on the brass and rust on the steels. An amazing string!

Buttons include brass fur trader type ball buttons medium and small, chinas, diminutives in vegetable ivory, glass, brass and steel, shoebuttons, square bird hard rubber (Goodyear bm), gilts, medium watchcase Golden Age (bm Superior Extra Rich), MOP set in brass, brass with shield (bm Best Rich ….Gilt), large black dyed embossed horn, military (bm Scoville Waterbury), Civil War Infantry brass eagle button, dyed black horn in brass rim, purple glass faceted with brass escutcheon top, hard white pewter (bm prichard’s Hard White), charmstring glass, waistcoats with goldstone and plain glass insets, three waistcoats with patterned fabric insets, drums with glass insets, veg ivory ball, brass otter with floral border 9bm Superior Extra Rich), brass flower (bm Leavenworth Co Extra), Golden Age with large square pattern of dots on surface (bm R&W Robinson Extra Rich), four watchcase plain border brass hunt buttons, all large– horse, two different dogsm deer (bm Hammond Turner & Sons with a crown above Extra Quality),medium embossed dyed black horn with morning glories design, hard rubber flower (bm N.R. Co. Goodyear’s P=T May 6, 1851), Berdan’s Sharpshooters hard rubber button, ball buttons, small twinkle with brass screen domed top, gilt  flat bordered flower(bm Waterbury MG Co Extra), small brass saddled horse (bm Extra Super Feine), Golden Age square in circle small dots (bm Wadhams Coe Co), shaped flat steels, shaped steel flower, Golden Age flower (bm Rich Gold Colour), small copper (?) sun, round blue fabric and brass veil button, large oval black fabric and brass veil button, large pressed horn (bm Cox Patent), tombac, small black beaded ball button, brass openwork knot button, pin shank domed hard rubber button (medium), small brass acorn. The touch button on this string is a very large oval cameo with celluloid border. This string is beautiful and old.

A Small String with Two Threadbounds

Buffum collection, inventory #63

Unknown origin. String with 77 buttons on it. Buttons include two threadbound buttons, waistcoats, glass set in metal. Black glass, charmstring glass, shell, clear glass, chinas, shoebutton, metals and enamels. Appears to be on original string.

Kate Turner Collection

Buffum collection, inventory #62

Purchased at a button show in Connecticut, October 2011. These buttons were originally displayed in a framed exhibit. They were gathered and exhibited by Kate Turner in 1874. The buttons were in poor condition having been displayed in sunlight then improperly stored in an attic for years. A number of buttons had disintegrated, most notably kaleidoscope buttons. Some had been discarded when the glass was replaced at some point in the past as the glass was newer than the frame and a number of kaleidoscope shanks were found on the strings. The buttons were displayed in strings varying from small to large on a board background on which a pattern had been drawn. The button strings were sewn onto the background. The background was set into the frame which had a red braided cord border and a red velvet strip of material also as a border. The cord and velvet strip were attached with tiny tacks. The frame had a rough thin multiple board backing. The entire piece was in poor condition and could not be salvaged. As many buttons as possible were salvaged and restrung onto one length of waxed linen cord.

The Kate Turner Button Collection as this one is called. I salvaged the diamond shaped label attached at the center of the original framed piece, however the ink was very brittle and the “ur” in Kate Turner’s last name flaked off. All the rest of the “label” is original and intact at this time and preserved under laminating sheets.

  

Buttons include ordinary old coat buttons scuffed and worn by age, 2 different colonial pearl coat buttons, a transfer black fly button, a glass cameo set in metal, a number of drum buttons in various sizes with insets and patterns, over 30 different intact kaleidoscope buttons, clambroth glass and white glass buttons, china buttons in colors and patterns, charmstring glass in assorted colors and shapes, waistcoats, glass set in metal, glory button, radiants, dewdrops, a lot of hard rubber buttons that were originally black but have turned brown due to sunlight and heat exposure (one large button shows a crescent of the original black color as it was tucked behind another button when displayed), black glass, old black glass, vegetable ivory, a small vegetable ivory keg button (may have been another variant of a Harrision campaign cider keg button).

A total of 925 buttons survive. There are four pad back in the collection that are not mounted to prevent further damage. Broken buttons, shanks, and assorted items have been saved and stored as well as pievces of the original string to show age.

Very beautiful but very fragile collection now preserved for the future.

A Multi-day Project

Buffum collection, inventory #61

675 buttons strung by Susan Buffum August 31 and September 1, 2013. All my best loop shank charmstring worthy buttons purchased at numerous button shoes, won in club auctions, purchased on ebay and received as gifts over a number of years. Buttons include black glass assorted styles, brass conventionals, charmstring glass, waistcoats, gold yellow etched ball, triangular orange glass button, Aristocrat bee button, yellow jelly bean, green swirl ball button,green and black striped ball with rosette shank, off glass “bullet” shaped button, pewters, steels, original tints, glory button, speckled glass, vegetable ivory, MOP, bone

Found at Putts

Buffum collection, inventory #60

Gift from a dear button friend, August 18, 2013. She won this in a Putts Auction July 13,2013. This was on a broken string that was very fragile. Restrung approximately 175 buttons.. Touch button XL black glass, military, horn with white metal escutcheon, black glass assorted styles,, Golden Age, vegetable ivory, white glass, chinas, oblong faceted black glass, gilt, metal with fabric, waistcoats, exceptional molded black and white glass picture set in brass waistcoat, painted (roses) waistcoat, dimi black glass cone with white tip, green glass waistcoat with goldstone and star, crackle glass set in metal, clambroth with black paint, clambroth with green coronet, white glass cone with green tip, cut steel w/pearl center, kaleidescopes, 2 small glory buttons, veil button, strange tiny clear glass icicle button, colored glass charmstring buttons, steel, brass with pressed horn insert, b;ack g;ass with white glass head, blue glass Jenny Lind waistcoat, luster china with blue rim, Jacksonian cousin flowers in vase, Jacksonian rose

Two Tiny Tintypes

Buffum collection, inventory #59

From, Ballston Lake, NY, refer to CS58 for additional information– approximately 100 buttons. Black hard rubber ball, chinas, black glass, 2 tiny tintype photo buttons with celluloid covers, brass conventional and picture buttons, waistcoats, gilts, red fabric-covered, MOP, veg ivory, charmstring glass, black glass with luster horsehead, steel oval, striped glass with pinshank.

A number of steel buttons had to be removed due to excessive corrosion. Several white metal buttons were also removed for same reason

Black Glass Painted like Wood

Buffum collection, inventory #58

Purchased from Ballston Lake, NY August 12, 2012 (goes with CS59-arrived in two pieces). Approximately 143 buttons on this section. Touch button is XL Hector, black glass with “wood” paint design, Cleopatra, brass with steel star, black glass, dragon, large domed horn with stars design, white metal, black & silver anchor, shell, 2 watchcase– horse and hare with fancy border, drum button, molded horn, hard rubber, painted brass church button, 1800’s military, natural horn with pinshank, ABG brass uniform button, HCI school uniform button, Golden Age triangle & flowers, MOP, OED (/) brass button, eagles, caramel glass head inset in metal, original tint red, mOP set in brass, black glass luster shell, shaped square bone, pierced metal with original tint, steel, Golden Age laf, pressed horn head button, high relief terrier head brass, white glass, steel, clambroth glass, composition with shell insets, white metal. Buttons are all XL, L, M and small.

CS59 was most likely part of this string but broke at some point.

Glass and Metal Loop

Buffum collection, inventory #57

Purchased from Ocala, FL on June 16, 2013. Approximately 200 buttons strung in a loop. Large brass hexagon button, carved black glass, drums, glass set in metal, hard rubber, horn, black glass, small brass picture buttons, gilt, black glass with gold luster, horn bird button, large white glass Greek key with massive swirlback, mottled black/brown glass, small black painted to look like wood, white metal, horn with MOP stripes, large clambroth pressed glass, composition picture, small white Victorian glass, chinas, cut steels, brass original tint blue, open work brass ball, black glass red luster, rectangular black glass paisley, square black glass passamentarie, brass with white glass inset with black swallow bird, black and gold tole painted house and trees, brass with galine & black glass inset, charmstring glass, large Aristocrat, black glass painted, imitation fabric

A Beautiful Gift

Buffum collection, inventory #56

All glass buttonstring. This was a gift from Maryjane Minor, April 14, 2013 delivered to me by Julie Gittins. Julie and Maryjane had restrung the buttons. Maryjane had purchased this string of buttons at a Page Auction in the past and wanted to pass it along to me for my collection. Unknown quantity of buttons– clear glass, colored glass, black glass– a very beautiful string from a dear friend.

Purple Lion

Buffum collection, inventory #55

String of approximately 352 buttons strung by Susan Buffum in 2010. Touch button is a large tinted metal with design, large abalone disk, brass picture with border of two birds, pierced bras, carved shell with steel escutcheon, original red tint on black glass lily of the valley, horn with inlays, black glass picture buttons, domed white glass, ivory glass with gold incising, brass fleur-de-lis pierced, turquoise glass ruffle top, etched shell, radiant, dimi paperweight, black glass painted flower, waistcoats, small brass conventionals, brass disk with Mercury figure, rhinestone, brass with black glass with brass head, green glass with dots, celluloid with shell insets, clear glass ball, brass classical head, small brass picture buttons, white glass with brown salt overlay, green china, dimi glass balls, brass with glass insets,, square white & gray striped glass, black glass imitation fabric with paint, oval pale blue imitation fabric glass, dyed shell, black glass picture buttons, pierced brass ball, sleeper, brass with galena w/ green glass inset, white metal with purple tint lion at rest.

Partial and Whole Kaleidoscopes

Buffum collection, inventory #54

Approximately 232 buttons. There were eight kaleidoscope shanks only on this string.  Kaleidoscopes that survived include shell top, black with foil flecks, green, blue & silver, blue dimple top with silver, red gold black star pattern, faceted cone top black & silver. Other buttons include target black metal, red fabric black glass, G.S. collar button (Scovills Extra), Benedict & Burnham bm brass, Waterbury bm brass, Orange Colour bm brass, DUG red & black design, chinas, dewdrop, pin shank pearl, veil button, brass, veg ivory all on original string

Many Little Waistcoats

Buffum collection, inventory #53

String of 268 primarily waistcoat buttons small and medium purchased at 2010 NERBA auction, Southbury, CT. Brass with white glass dome, brass with clear pressed glass shell, brass with black glass disk w/goldstone dots, small brass drum w/white glass disk inset, brass with molded black glass w/ 3 flowers, dimi white Jenny Lind, kaleidoscope red pattern, brass with clear glass berry top, Glory button clear glass, various brass with turquoise, red, blue, green, amber glass insets, small drum with goldstone inset, brass with Mop, brass with crackle glass dome, ribbed brass with clear glass shell insert, brass collet with faceted glass top, brass with clear glass flower shaped inset, med brass with purple glass inset, small brass with faceted steels– nice collection

Italian Street Vendor

Buffum collection, inventory #52

Purchased on March 14, 2011 from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada on ebay.  Approximately 120 buttons on original string. Large brass lilies, large brass Italian Street Vendor, Large stenciled plaid vegetable ivory, large brass floral, large vegetable ivory with swirls, white metal Canada Militia coat button, small brass bonnet, stamped veg ivory, pierced brass with faceted steels, black glass, embossed veg ivories various patterns, small stamped composition, small brass with faceted steel berry, small black glass floral, small brass florals, small brass conventionals, 2 small brass crescent with stars and anchors, brass Egyptian scene. Brass with MOP center, original tints, brass with fabric insets. Blown glass balls, black glass with silver luster & red tint whippet head, small ruby glass, clambroth glass, black glass with abalone inset, veg ivory 

Charmstring Maintenance

Periodically, no matter how well-stored a charmstring is, it should be examined for developing conditions that might lead to buttons needing to be removed from the string, or the string simply deteriorating and the string falling apart. Things that can cause damage to a charmstring over time are extreme temperatures, high humidity, the development of rust of steel, corrosion on brass, copper and white metal, celluloid sickness and simple deterioration of string due to age.

When a string is first purchased I usually examine it very carefully for any conditions it may have that need to be addressed immediately. After counting the buttons and cataloging the string for inventory purposes my next task is to ensure the string will survive into the future. If a string has deteriorated and begun to fray or has already broken I decided if a new linen string or waxed linen string can be threaded through the buttons to help support the old string, or if the string has deteriorated too much due to poor storage in the past, if the buttons need to be restrung entirely. If a total restringing must be done I try to save as much of the old string and store that in a plastic baggie with any documentation I have gathered from the purchase of the string (invoice, bill of sale, and notes, pictures or miscellaneous items that come with the string are kept in a binder with tabs numbered to correspond with the string’s inventory number on its ‘key rag’ inventory control tag).

Next I assemble the tools of the charmstring restorer’s trade- cotton swabs, cotton pads (found in the make-up aisle). Mineral oil, Simichrome polish, a small brass bristle brush, number 2 pencil (disposable twist pencils work fine), a soft bristle tooth brush, salt, a small cup to hold water, paper towel sections, a soft cloth are in my arsenal when tackling a major button cleaning project. I lay out my tools, then spread a white hand towel on my work bench or kitchen table, which ever location I am working on the buttons. After examining the string and buttons and doing all the counting and note taking the process of carefully cleaning the buttons begins. If the original string has broken and it is not feasible to try a restringing of the original then the buttons are removed one at a time, cleaned according to material type and the restringing process begins on a new length of linen cord.

For brass buttons I generally give them a gentle brushing with the brass bristle brush to remove grim and corrosion. Cotton swabs can be used to scrub the brass and the soft bristle toothbrush can also be used to loosen caked in gunk and grime.

Glass and china buttons can generally be cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in water then blotted on a paper towel so the tip is damp, not soaking wet. Do not use a wet cotton swab on the back of a button that is reverse painted as it may remove the paint! It is usually okay to get the brass loop shanks wet as you will be wiping the button dry with a soft cloth or paper towel and then the button will be air drying as you continue cleaning the other buttons. Never immediately store buttons that have just been cleaned- they need to dry to avoid rust and corrosion!

I have found that for most MOP or shell buttons that have an accumulation of grime or deposits on them that it is okay to use a bit of table salt as a polishing compound when a bit of water is added to make a paste. Most shells come from the ocean which is salt water and can withstand the abrasive quality of a salt and water paste. If the shell button has any ornamentation or a pinshank it would be best to clean by means of another method. After cleaning the MOP or shell button a very light wipe with a cloth with a bit of mineral oil on it will restore the glow of the button. Remove any excess oil with a dry cloth or paper towel and allow to dry.

Steel buttons with a lot of rust and pitting might not be salvageable and if too far gone should be removed from the string. Some steel buttons with light rust can be salvaged with a good brushing with the brass bristle brush. If there is rust on the reverse side the number 2 pencil can be employed to scrub it off. Use cotton swabs to remove the lead residue. Polish with a bit of paper towel or a soft cloth to remove the remainder of the residue.

If the face of a button has any tint or paint on it, it is best to just lightly polish with a soft cloth and leave the natural patina of age rather than destroy the button by accidentally removing the paint.

I have not found any method of cleaning old fabric covered buttons. I generally give them a light wipe with a soft cloth and leave them alone otherwise. If anyone has any suggestions for cleaning cloth and fabric-covered buttons please share.

Silver buttons can be cleaned with silver polish.

Simichrome polish will clean Golden Age and gilt buttons nicely, but sometimes, if the design is very intricate it can clog up the face of the button with residue. Occasionally, it’s nice just to brush the button with the brass bristle brush and let it go at that.

Hard rubber buttons can be washed with water. If they look dull a light wipe with mineral oil will bring back the shine.

Horn buttons can also be lightly washed with water and then given a light wipe with mineral oil to restore them a bit. Allow them to dry thoroughly before restringing.

Vegetable ivory buttons can be cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in water and then blotted, unless the button is dyed. There may be color loss, and in that case should be lightly polish with a soft cloth.

White metal buttons and tin buttons that have corroded should be removed.

Celluloid buttons that have celluloid disease should be removed.

After all the buttons are cleaned, dry and restrung then can be stored. I keep my charmstrings in Riker boxes and store them flat to avoid as much stress on the strings as possible. If a charmstring is displayed vertically in a shadowbox or other case then there should be plenty of support provided for the string to ease the stress on it (run thin wires every two inches or so like staples through the backing. Check the charmstring at least annually for signs of stress on the string which could lead to breakage and the possibility of buttons being damaged. Try to keep the charmstrings stored in a place where the temperature does not go to extremes of hot and cold, and the humidity is also not high.

I keep a log book and record the periodic inspections of the buttons and strings I perform…usually once a year I will look at the buttons, handling them gently, and address any issues that have cropped us (rust, corrosion, disease, string fraying, etc), recording what maintenance I have performed and when.

It’s a chore but a necessary one to preserve the buttons for future generations to enjoy.

If you make the investment, or have inherited a charmstring then maintaining the buttons and the string will add to the length of time you have that string to enjoy.

I like handling the strings but bear in mind that all buttons will become fragile with age. This is especially true for kaleidoscope buttons that tend to lose their glass dome tops. (Never get a kaleidoscope button wet!). Other buttons tend to disintegrate around the embedded loop shank. Charmstrings should be handled gently, and are best handled while wearing cotton, latex or vinyl gloves to prevent the body’s natural oils from being transferred to the buttons and possibly causing damage.

If you have any additional comments or helpful hints please feel free to share them here.

Susan

Another Decoration

Buffum collection, inventory #51

117 buttons strung by Susan Buffum in 2010 for my desk at work. Touch button is decorative brass with black laquer back with multi-color leaves. Pearl with tiny prong set stone, blue glass faceted ball, brass with white glass inset, small brass head, pierced brass with painted flowers, small ball with prong set paste stones, brass with glass insets, white glass with painted rose, small brass lion head, white glass with goldstone with pastes, original tint picture button, carved shell with faceted steels, blue glass, white Victorian glass, turquoise glass, brass with turquoise enamel, green china, green fabric with pearl, filigree white metal, blue glass with foil, pierced brass with MOP 4-pt star, green glass with paint dots, brown glass with goldstone, blue glass, small real shell button, ruby glass, openwork metal ball, original blue tint, Venetian glass, clambroth, black glass with intaglio head, brass with prong-set pastes, waistcoats, brass dog, cobalt blue glass, root beer glass with etched design

Desk Decoration

Buffum collection, inventory #50

String of 90 buttons strung by Susan Buffum in 2008. Used to have it on my desk at work. Touch button is a large deeply carved abalone shell sew thru.  Other buttons include large MOP ball button,carved shell with steel shank, black glass with luster, white metal wall of Jerusalem, blue-dyed shell with natural MOP inset, black glass horseshoe, conventional brass, black glass, pierced brass ball, Victorian glass, small brass & white metal Over The Wall, brass mill and bridge, brass natives in hut, brass acorn, dyed etched pearl, black glass, brass corn, original tint, brass with faceted steels, natural horn, abalone, black fabric, brass with paint, white glass, pewter with red tint, pierced brass, brass with green faceted stone, brass camel with border, black glass imitation fabric with  patterned back, dimi brass with purple glass inset