Five!

Having neglected to post any buttons last week, here's FIVE Bakelite biggies and they are not buttons to be sneezed at. All heavy coat buttons, these are some major collector's items in various earth tones—and notice the variety of shapes. The transparent button in the lower left corner is an apple juice button sculpted with deep, feathery dashes and cut into a sort of leaf-like shape with a smattering of brown flecks floating inside the AJ Bakelite. The black button in the lower right corner is the largest one here, an angular diamond that's been polished to a glassy shine with handsome gouges along the top. The central button is a chocolate beauty with a starburst escutcheon made of metal (brass, methinks). The hexagonal button at the top right-hand corner is the most carved button pictured. Color-wise, it's Mississippi Mud, or a murky blend of black and brown, although it possesses a greenish moss tone as well. Finally, the button at the top left-hand corner is a rounded square made of multiple pieces of Bakelite—glued together to form a stylish art deco design with components in black, apple juice and another mossy brown tone. That's an eyeful of buttons, folks! Thank you kindly.

-Sherbert McGee