True Story: Several years ago I met a lady in Cleveland, Ohio who was working as a curator for a museum and who was in charge of dismantling pieces of the museum, which had decided to close its doors. Part of them museum featured an exhibit of "American Industry" items and this included several examples of Bakelite. As the museum downsized before closing, this particular lady was responsible for auctioning off certain historical objects and works of art. This button was part of the auction and I was able to place the winning bid. It is a very large button that goes back to the year 1931. Brightly eye-catching, it's made of three pieces of Bakelite in the colors green, chocolate and custard yellow. The three sections form this carved flower with sloped petals and a thin smattering of barely visible patina. The button is also an example of art deco, perfectly blending geometry with a stylized floral motif. Of course, all Bakelite buttons belong in museums on account of their rarity and vintage significance. But this one really did sit for a while inside of a museum in Ohio. I count it among my very favorite buttons.
-Sherbert McGee
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