Have you heard the story about the rabbit who picked a lock and stole a crown from a golden swan before tripping over a pineapple? Here's the illustration, presented as part of my week-long spotlight on figure buttons. The rabbit, in particular, was a hard guy to find. Another interesting detail about these buttons: Only the pineapples were made in rootbeer (tortoise) as this color doesn't appear in any of the other figure button shapes. I've always wondered why that's the case. Oh, the curiosities of old buttons! circa 1930.
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BUTTONS FROM THE ATTIC
-Sherbert McGee
Once upon a time, a fairy in the presence of a dog begged a seahorse for a pepper and a cluster of orange grapes. Voila! Here's the first set of Bakelite "figure buttons" that I'll be posting this week. The buttons are a thinly pressed variety and easily dismissible if you prefer the heavier coat buttons in the style of the thicker and more substantial Bakelite. Or, if you're like me, you've come to enjoy this highly collectible niche of lightweight and fun buttons with their assortment of shapes and bright colors. There are three types of full-bodied dogs that exist in the world of Bakelite figure buttons and one of them is the Scottish Terrier I've got pictured here in chocolate brown. All hailing from the 1930's. Check back for more figure buttons that I'll be posting every day this week!
-Sherbert McGee
Few buttons pack enough vintage flamboyance to upstage this large showstopper in dazzling red Bakelite. An art deco eyeful from the Roaring Twenties, this major seductress boasts three carved leaves framing a smoothly triangular middle section. The red Bakelite is very red and a perfect dash of patina accentuates the dramatic detail of this festive zinger. We're now in the heart of the holiday season and this button equals monumental cheer.
-Sherbert McGee
One of my favorite oddity buttons, here's a Bakelite gem from the 1920's constructed in five colors! The creamed corn base tested positive for Bakelite, but then the unthinkable happens and this button sports four blister-like protuberances—also Bakelite in the colors black, green, apple juice and bright red. A true novelty of quirky workmanship and a literal artist's palette of Bakelite coloring.
-Sherbert McGee
Happy Turkey Day! I'm about ready to sit down for this year's Thanksgiving dinner. Do I dare wear my white shirt at the table and risk soiling it with bits of cranberry sauce? Here's a representation of what I'm talking about. These five Bakelite buttons from the 1930's are a deep maroon or cranberry color, etched with crisscross designs around their borders. A feast of sweet antiques!
Happy holidays,
Sherbert McGee
Don't burn your eyes looking at this blazing wowzer in sensationally orange Bakelite. Two things about this button blow my mind: First of all, it's the brightest orange (Bakelite) button I've ever seen. Secondly, the carved design is a strange blend of art deco florals and a cryptic motif that alludes to a suspicious talisman. A true enigma of fiery orange Bakelite and a brilliantly styled button to boot, this rare keepsake harks back to the late 1920's / early 1930's.
On a totally separate note, here's a painting by Tamara de Lempicka, titled Marquis d'Afflitto (1926). A raffish dude in a blue suit, there's a glint of disrepute in the pose of this arcane fop. Look at that savage glare, sharp-cornered shoulder and the wicked pastiness of his left duke. Somehow, the orange button strikes me as being just as devious. Lounging in an art deco jungle, the fellow exudes a surefire ominous vibe. If looks could kill...
-Sherbert McGee
Kermit the Frog famously sang, "It's not easy being green." But here's a friendly button that makes being green look like a jolly cinch. It's a large Bakelite button from the 1920's or 30's with especially large buttonholes, which are inset with a celluloid type of faux mother of pearl—giving them a resemblance to wide-open frog eyes. The second I made eye-contact with this button, it was instant love. I absolutely adore the friendly vibes of this cheery green treasure.
Visit Doreen's online store:
BUTTONS FROM THE ATTIC
-Sherbert McGee
What's your favorite cookie? Oreos, Nutter Butters, Creme Wafers, Fig Newtons, Little Debbies, Keebler Fudge Stripes, Chips Ahoy! or a box delivered by the Girl Scouts? Cookies are fattening and delicious; but I'm talking about Bakelite cookies. And here's a batch of four. These are buttons, of course—each made of Bakelite going back to the 1920's and each sized, shaped, designed and colored with its own different personality. I've been collecting Bakelite cookie buttons for many, many years and I still come across varieties I've never seen before. Who can resist a cookie? Fun and frisky, this huddled bunch presents a random assortment of styles. Cookies crumble, it's true; but not these vintage treats! And on that note, I'm going to pour myself a glass of milk.
-Sherbert McGee
Normally I would say that a black flower is a dead flower, but let's not trash this licorice daisy. It's a Bakelite button from the 1930's with eight petals cut apart from each other and etched with vein-like details. This button perfectly demonstrates why I like patina. The yellowish residue serves to enrich and highlight the finely carved features on this old beauty. If you own Bakelite, think twice before scrubbing off any dusty film. That dust is the magic of time.
-Sherbert McGee
