Pocket Cookies

Look what I found today! As it's getting cold outside, I decided to participate in a coat drive and to part ways with a few of my old winter jackets. After pulling some coats out of my closet, I checked the front and inner pockets on one particular parka that I haven't worn in years. Lo and Behold, this pair of Bakelite cookie buttons was tucked away with a couple of candy wrappers in a hidden pouch. I must've picked these up years ago in the midst of my travels and forgotten about them. At any rate, they're a little nicked and worn, but these cookies are pleasant discoveries with chocolate centers and good vibes going back to the 1920's. Check your pockets, friends! You might have treasures worth chancing on. And bundle up because it's beginning to look like an early winter.

-Shertbert McGee

September Valentines

Love is in the air! Here's a pair of buttons that date back to the 1920's. The bases are creamed corn Bakelite while the top, heart-shaped pieces are Prystal Bakelite. Quaint and romantic, this yummy set smacks of vintage valentines if not a couple of strawberry jelly dollops riding on perfect slices of melty, yellow butter. Mmm Mmm, good!

-Sherbert McGee

Rockers, Flattened

They're like rocker buttons, but without the rounded edges these babies are not rocking. My friend Doreen found this set of four flat rockers and sold them to me last year. Constructed of cherry red and AJ Bakelite, they make a smart set with an undeniable gleam. Outside of these jazzy keepers, I've never seen another flat rocker in my life. Hip and hard-to-find, these go back to the 1930's.   

Visit Doreen's online store:
BUTTONS FROM THE ATTIC

-Sherbert McGee

Tender Buttons

One of my favorite places in the world is Tender Buttons in the heart of Manhattan Island, NY, NY. Truly an antique button emporium (and one of the Wonders of the World in my book), the little shop is bursting with extravagant buttons in every make and formation going back to many time periods across the ages. If you collect buttons and you just happen to be in New York City, a trip to Tender Buttons is a must, but bring hundreds of dollars because shopping will cost you an arm and a leg—and possibly a second leg. That's my plug for the best darn button boutique I've ever found; and on that note, here's a three-tone, Bakelite button that I purchased from Tender Buttons back in 2014. The button itself was made during the Roaring 1920's. Damn spanky!

 Tender Buttons 

143 East 62nd Street, New York, New York 10065

-Sherbert McGee

Leafed Licorice

What a handsome coat button! The design is a smooth and simple one in black (licorice) Bakelite. Swooping upwards like a plateau in the middle of the surface, the button's central design is a carved leaf surrounded by a perfectly even expanse. The leaf is highlighted with just a smattering of patina. Chic and Unique rhyme for a reason. This button is both. Made in the 1930's.

-Sherbert McGee

Rootbeer Thirst Quencher

Today is the last day of summer. So here's something different. Here's a Bakelite button in tortoise, or rootbeer, which I've surrounded with some of the bottle caps from the various brands of rootbeers I drank this summer. Rootbeer is one of my favorite beverages and I love discovering new brews of the stuff. Likewise, I love rootbeer Bakelite. The button centered here is carved with pretty rings and has a tidy charm about it. From the 1920's. Happy end-of-summer!

-Sherbert McGee

Stylized Creamed Corn

At once floral and geometric, here's an interesting button that's made of Bakelite. The color is what we call creamed corn, but this is a darker creamed corn than the usual hue. Style-wise, this button is an oddity. Five squares comprise the button like an intersection, but with flowery edges shooting from four corners. Also, this button is covered in patina—providing a fine layer of curious antiquity. Circa 1930.

Visit Doreen's online store:
BUTTONS FROM THE ATTIC

-Sherbert McGee

High Summer

Here's an apple juice daisy button in tested and confirmed Bakelite with a pretty set of gently carved petals and an an easy-on-the-eyes gracefulness. Dating back to the same time period, I'm also posting this Tamara de Lempicka painting, titled High Summer from the year 1928. The lady in the painting could almost be a character out of a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald and it looks to me like she's got a couple of daisies in that armful of floribunda. Anyway, here we are exactly 90 years after this painting was painted during the extraordinary art deco years and I do believe we are now in "high summer" of 2018. Needless to say, I seem to be in a nostalgic mood.

Visit Doreen's online store:
BUTTONS FROM THE ATTIC

-Sherbert McGee