One hole?  Are there any shanks present?  One hole in the center is often
for a pinhead shank with a loop underneath to sew through.  See Luscomb,
Sally C.  The Collector's Encyclopedia of Buttons, 1999 Schiffer publishing
Co., Atglen, PA.: pages 153 & 176-177.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Carl Steen" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, December 22, 2008 7:31 AM
Subject: One-Hole Bone Buttons


> Hi all.
>
> I have found numerous examples of one hole bone buttons at Fort Johnson,
SC (38CH69.com) along with blanks and fragments indicating local
manufacture. The context dates between 1790 and 1810, but some earlier
ceramics were seen.
>
> Stan South found these in Rev War to War of 1812 contexts at Fort
Moultrie, and Judy Bense reported them in her late period (1750-1821) in
Pensacola. All of these are military sites. My 1830s to 1860s contexts have
machine made bone buttons (4-5 hole).
>
> Has anyone looked into this practice? Is it a military thing primarily?
I've seen them on domestic sites, but not with evidence of manufacture.
Google was not extremely helpful...
>
> ?thanks, Carl Steen
>