Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!
I think you will like the lovely ladies selected for today’s
button session. And, I have the name of a book that will
be a very helpful “first book” for a new button collector.
The topic today is lithographed buttons. These were popular
in the 1890s (before you were born) and used the art of
lithography to portray historical figures or beautiful prints.
They had a protective clear celluloid cover.
I have two ladies: a large one–a hair wider than 1 1/4″ in
diameter with a fleur-de-lis brass border. The image of the
lady shows long brown hair, brown eyes, and a Dutch looking
bonnet.
Lithographed button with fleur-di-lis border. ©booksandbuttons
I also have a smaller one, 1/2 inch in diameter–a lady with
an upsweep hairdo and a sweet little face. This button has
a cut steel border.
Lithographed button with cut steel border. ©booksandbuttons
Here is a photo of the two unmarked backs of the
buttons:
I
I found examples of these buttons and many, many
others in “Button, Button” by Peggy Ann Osborne. It has
tons of photos, in color, with good descriptions. There is
also a general price guide. A full index makes research easy.
There are 166 pages, and it is my favorite “go-to” guide for
information. Mine is a paperback, is still in print and costs
about $16.00.
page from Button, Button
by Peggy Ann Osborne
Tune in tomorrow for Day 3 of National Button Week!
