Guidelines For Collecting China Buttons, Ruth Lamb, Beatrice & Lester Lorah, Helen W. Schuler; 1970, National Button Society

This small book includes patent info on china buttons, first developed by Prosser, using a porcelain body.  My notes indicate that Prosser patented his method in 1840 in England.....  My copy is at home so I can't give you more info, let me know if you'd like me to send you some.
They come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and decorations.
The rough back is diagnostic, I assume because of the firing process.
Susan
Burns & McDonnell, Inc.
Kansas City  MO 


>>> [log in to unmask] 09/10/01 10:10AM >>>
While we are on the subject of buttons, what do you all feel about the
"Prosser" buttons? These are those black and white shirt and blouse buttons
with the roughened underside. I have read the history of the Prosser family
inventing a way to compress powdered glass in the late 18th century and going
into massive production in the 19th century, but note these buttons do not
appear in abundance here in California until after 1820. Any thoughts?

Ron May
Legacy 106, Inc.