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

More Botanicals

Buffum collection, inventory #49

Purchased on ebay from Southwold, Ontario, Canada on November 9, 2008. Previous owner purchased it at a collector’s estate sale. There are approximately 248 buttons on the string. Touch button is large white metal peach on a branch button with japanned back.  Other buttons include vegetable ivory-sanded, ball, stenciled, carved and dyed or natural, composition buttons, ball shaped, owl on a crescent moon picture button, intaglio helmeted heads, brass conventionals, botanicals, heads, birds some with original tints, black glass, some picture, carnival luster, gold luster, charmstring clear glass, reflector set in brass, chinas, brass ball, pressed horn with conventional designs and heads, steel ball, gilt, vegetable ivory with pinshank, carved and dyed shell with steel escutcheons, MOP.End button is a 5-hole large bone button.

MOP with Brass Flower Border

Buffum collection, inventory #48

Approximately 294 buttons strung by Susan Buffum summer of 2009. Touch button is a large floral design brass border with MOP inset. Other buttons include-white glass ball, iridescent black glass designs and pictures, MOP with brass shanks, openwork metal, painted brass, veg ivory, brass picture including a moth, brass and white metal conventionals, brass paisley with red paint, ruby glass, root beer glass, MOP spindle, domed black glass imitation fabric, , original tints, charmstring glass, DUGs, waistcoats, black glass with blue, red and goldstone spots, patterned china, white chinas, abalone, carved pearl, cut steels. Tortoise shell, small jewel buttons, cobalt oval with gold, Victorian white glass with colored flower, brass with glass insets, black glass with MOP insets, white metal cage ball, brass openwork, blued steel spindle. Pearl with paint, black glass with MOP insets, black glass iridescent train engine, large blue mirrored glass on metal, brass teddy bear

XL Botanical Touch Buttons

Buffum collection, inventory #47

Approximately 232 buttons strung by Susan Buffum, summer 2009. Touch buttons are XL botanicals– oranges and coneflowers. Brass picture buttons, pinshank white glass disk, black glass with gold, slightly domed Golden Age disk (bm close to shank?), black fabric, ;arge black horn, pressed head (bm Depose), brass coin regina, painted/pierced brass with steels, paris back medium, medium brass coin, veg ivory, openwork brass, square hard rubber, painted prass, natural horn stag head self shank, gilts, veg ivory sew thru, brass with black glass Greek key, (DHR bm) hard rubber, brass conventionals, white metal, composition, brass horse, iridescent black glass, tole painted black lacquer, brass dome with paint, Golden Age (bm Treble Gilt Stand colour), stamped steel, purple abalone,shell, small 5-hole bone sew thru, pinshank bone, various black glass with designs, purple glass oval w/painted paisley design, small brass twinkle w/red, blue,gold center, square and oblong cobalt with gold and goldstone

Realistic Acorn

Buffum collection, inventory #46

Buttonstring with approximately 260 buttons, PA origin. Touch button is an XL heart bordered castle button. The next item on the string is a large white metal token commemorating the ninth anniversary convention Firemen’s Association, Shamokin, PA, Sep 18-20, 1888 w/design on front of helmet, hose nozzle, axe, ladder and an unknown object. Large 4-hole composition, large black glass, brown composition with fan, IRRC small hard rubber, black glass w/gold, china, veg ivory ball, small iridescent real seashell button, tiny carved peach pit basket, dyed medium pearl with steel escutcheon, small brass w/celluloid top, small brass Victorian conventionals veg ivory w/design 2-hole, medium clambroth, shell, black glass with iridescent color, brass red original tint, pewter with blue tint, white metal, pewter, chinas, large brass acorn, with traces of original red tint, composition with glitter, black glass, oval brass set with black glass intaglio helmeted head (glass cracked), 2-tone shell, clear red Victorian glass w/gold design, fabric-covered ball button, charmstring glass, ruby glass, medium mottled china sew thru 2-hole, steel, 4-hole bone, gilt, black glass whistle with goldstone, brass ball, 1881 Indian Head penny, blue dyed shell w/steel star, turquoise china sew thru, oblong black glass with silver, flat Golden Age (warranted Fine Gold Surface bm with sunburst around shank), shell, veg ivory, black glass with gold & MOP inset flowers, brass with fabric inset waistcoat, small brass owl, large flat natural horn disk with shank, two rearing horses flanking a shield with eagle above (bm banner below Waterbury Button Co.) rimmed, clambroth, medium handcarved peach pit basket, composition, chinas, brass with paint, trapezoid black glass, tiny filigreed brass with steels, blue painted brass, ivoroid with flower, tombac, small eagle on rock with snake, brass w/red tint and red velvet inset flower perfume button, black glass with gold, bird on swing/ring– lined background, medium pressed natural horn with shank, blue glass ball in claw setting. There is a yellow mirror glass heart from a broken piece of jewelry near the end. The end button is a large brass with clasp buckle design.

All Swirlback Glass

Buffum collection, inventory #45

An all swirlback charmstring glass button string strung by Kelly Buffum. This is a string she has been a work in progress for over five years, created from buying buttons at shows and receiving buttons from friends for the string. The current button count is over 750 with very few duplicates. Often, viewers compare seeing it to 'looking at candy'.

Update: May 2016. I've grown! I now have over 1000 buttons, all different.