If you didn't know any better you might think these are two different buttons, but nope. The intriguing thing about double-cut buttons is that one side depicts a carved pattern while the other side outlines a totally different design. The tricky top-to-bottom sides of these old keepsakes always amaze me. Furthermore, aside from its unique construction, this chocolate button tested positive for Bakelite.
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BUTTONS FROM THE ATTIC
-Sherbert McGee
Many, many years ago I found these maroon and apple juice Bakelite rocker buttons at an antique bazaar in Hartford, Connecticut. They are the first rocker buttons I ever bought and I remember how excited I was to find such an unusual set. Turning them every which way, they look like dollops of cranberry sauce plopped inside cider ice-cubes. I've seen all kinds of rocker buttons, but I believe this color combination is hard to come by. From the 1920's.
-Sherbert McGee
It's been more than three weeks since I posted a black button on my blog. But here one is! A large button that tested positive for Bakelite, the carved design alternates between etched and smooth pie slices that kind of resemble a propeller. Most of the black buttons that I find are thickly heavy coat buttons and this one is no exception, probably going back to the 1930's.
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BUTTONS FROM THE ATTIC
-Sherbert McGee
Left over from last week's flower spree, here's a button I've been studying with scientific scrutiny. It's a Bakelite apple juice button with the backside carved into two stemmed flowers, each of which has been painted. Springing up in a haze through the yellow Bakelite, the flowers appear as if locked in a foggy dream—giving this button an antiquated mystique. Call me crackers, but I'm in such awe of this button that I set it on an easel to examine and admire. From the 1930's.
Visit Doreen's online store:
BUTTONS FROM THE ATTIC
-Sherbert McGee
One of the major majesties of my collection, here's a large Bakelite rootbeer button that's boasting a magnificent escutcheon, made of golden glass. The glass is cut into a highly reflective pattern that resembles a shield of bead-like jewels. Talk about a treasure! It's like this button fell out of a pirate chest. What's more, the Bakelite topside on this vulgar sensation is finely carved all the way around the border with fine lines. It's a hypnotic button and one of my absolute flashiest. c. 1940.
Visit Doreen's online store:
BUTTONS FROM THE ATTIC
-Sherbert McGee
Certain buttons are essential to a well-rounded collection of Bakelite goodies and in my opinion this is one of those crucial specimens. A large, distinctive and almost spiky-petaled flower with a bright creamed corn middle piece, this eye-catching stunner is made of 100% Bakelite—not sculpted or pressed, but cut and assembled into this dramatically striking design. I've seen this button in almost all of the standard Bakelite colors. Mine obviously is red. Of all my Bakelite flower buttons, this one's the pick of the bunch. From the 1930's.
-Sherbert McGee
If only there'd been a bit more sunlight, I might've snapped the perfect picture of this shining green dream button in emerald Bakelite. Nine petals go around like stubby cogs with a raised layer in the middle that's etched for a rippled effect and then a tidily carved midpoint tops off this verdant rose. The clouds came out and darkened my photo session, but the gist of this pretty button is here. Circa 1926. This has been a week of Bakelite flower buttons with a fancy conclusion coming tomorrow...
-Sherbert McGee
Shorn of its precious stones (or maybe they were only semiprecious), this Bakelite daisy button might've been a garish showstopper during its heyday in the 1920's. Alas, the real treasure isn't so much the missing gems as the dusty presence of ten Bakelite petals in a bright tone of sunshiny custard yellow. In lieu of diamonds this old biddy is sporting a rash of more patina than I prefer on a button. And on that note, I'm giving this flashy flower a post-photo scrubbing.
-Sherbert McGee
When I saw these buttons listed a few years ago in my friend Doreen's button shop, I contacted her immediately and said, "Doreen, I want those orange flower buttons!" How could I pass these up? They are indeed a true and stupendous orange. Like I've said before, I don't hesitate when it comes to orange Bakelite. The stuff's hard to come by and especially in shapes as lovely as these three blossoms, which easily go back to the early-1930's. Anyway, I've got more flower buttons ready to share tomorrow and all this week. Now let's get some sun and forget that it was ever wintertime.
Visit Doreen's online store:
BUTTONS FROM THE ATTIC
-Sherbert McGee
