Quadruple Rings

Four interlocking rings form the etched design on this button and each of them is studded with a metal pin. The design reminds me of a cross between the symbol for atomic energy and the official symbol for the Olympic games. The button is made of Bakelite in the color known as rootbeer. We plastic buffs don't refer to this color very often as tortoise, although it definitely is faux tortoise. This button hasn't been in my collection for very long. I acquired it earlier this summer and consider one of my coolest finds of this year so far.

Visit Doreen's online store

Click here: BUTTONS FROM THE ATTIC

-Sherbert McGee   

The Cosmic Octopus

I liken this button to an octopus because of its spinachy green frontage with sucker-like spots and freaky charm. It's a two-tone button with an apple juice center. Inside and out, this button tested positive for Bakelite. I love the unevenness of the sucker spots going around the button like oogly-woogly components of a cell seen under a microscope. On that note, this button could be a mutant contagion from outer space!

Visit Doreen's online store

Click here: BUTTONS FROM THE ATTIC

-Sherbert McGee  

Peanut Butter Patty

Here's a two-tone button that always reminds me of a butterscotch wafer topped with a chocolate glaze. Otherwise, this could be an olden-day peanut butter cup. The button measures 1.5 inches across and both colors, top and bottom, tested positive for Bakelite. Out in the sun on my balcony, where I took this picture, this deceptively yummy button really does look like a chocolate mouthful.

-Sherbert McGee 

Defending a Grubby Old Square

This creamed corn square button tested positive for Bakelite. I polished it just a tinge, but I'm fine with a thin layer of grunge on old buttons. Is that gross? To me, if something is an antique it's allowed to have a patina or a faint bit of historical residue in its hard-to-reach places. Nothing escapes the ravages of time. At any rate, in my eyes this vintage square is a flawless treasure.

-Sherbert McGee 

Studded Iced Tea

On the spectrum of Bakelite's many colors there's an unusual tone known as iced tea that lies between apple juce and rootbeer. These iced tea buttons are studded with metal pins that were injected into the Bakelite during the manufactural process. As is the case with many of my Bakelite buttons, I purchased these from my good friend and fellow button-enthusiast, Doreen, who runs a vintage button emporium out of her home in Michigan. I can't endorse Doreen's business enough. Her wealth of buttons (of all makes, categories and styles) is absolutely kaleidoscopic.

Visit Doreen's online store

Click here: BUTTONS FROM THE ATTIC

-Sherbert McGee

ART DECO: Quintessential

High on the pedestal of my most spectacular buttons sits this Art Deco paragon in licorice and apple juice Bakelite. The man who sold me this button said that he'd taken it off of a fur coat that was made between 1925 and 1929 by the fashion house known as Fendi. Alas, the coat was infested with old fleas doing the Charleston in the fusty mink fibers, but oh how the buttons live on! Just gaze at that design. Gadzooks!!! 

-Sherbert McGee

ART DECO: Metal Orbs

Sweet Jeepers! These are some very peculiar buttons. I don't know if these are supposed to be imitating Saturn, but with the Bakelite rings wrapping around those nickel hemispheres, I've always referred to these as my Art Deco Saturn buttons. They're a little tarnished and slightly dented, but I love these ornamental curiosities just the same. Oddball buttons with cherry halos, they measure over an inch across.

-Sherbert McGee   

ART DECO: Blossoms

The style known as Art Deco often took a cue from nature with artful tendrils, lightning bolts, wildlife and nautical elements inspiriting the celebrated flair on everything from jewelry to teapots. Buttons too, carried this bold and upscale treatment. Here's a sun-drenched pair of Bakelite flower buttons in the color known as apple juice—definitely bearing the art deco style.

-Sherbert McGee

ART DECO: Screw Tops

Screw top buttons are a smart and spiffy example of the Art Deco style. I acquired these Bakelite dandies one by one until totting up this set of four in maroon, cherry, deep green and dark brown. Tokens of industry, these buttons reflect the mighty rise of art deco skyscrapers that turned cites of the 1920's into glistening kingdoms. One such masterpiece of architecture is the Chrysler Building, which underwent construction in 1928 and wowed the masses with its godly crown and ambitious magnificence. To this day, it's still one of my favorite buildings in all of New York City.

-Sherbert McGee

 

"There is nothing more poetic and terrible

Than the skyscrapers' battle 

With the heavens that cover them." 

—Federico Garcia Lorca

ART DECO: Style Attack

Today begins my blog's week-long rave of Art Deco buttons from the 1920's and I'm leading off with this sensational dish made of lime juice Bakelite featuring a nub of creamed corn Bakelite that's been strapped to the center with a pair of silver bands. This is hardly a petite button, measuring about two inches across. And not counting Bette Davis's cigarette holder, what could be more vogue? The look here is classic Jazz Age chic. Bakelite of any kind is rare, but "lime juice" Bakelite is an especially hard-to-find truffle. Look at those whirling green galaxies! This token of the times roars high hats and Park Avenue, circa you-know-exactly-when. 

-Sherbert McGee