The collector books are of little help, unless you find fancy ornamental  
buttons that survive well in archaeological sites. The fabric buttons are  
usually reduced to the brass backing or thread loops. And then there is the  problem 
that most of those collectible buttons were recycled or collected. Run  
buttons on Ebay and you will find dozens of jars of common shell, bone,  
heat-pressed "glass," and various plastic buttons that women salvaged off  clothing 
during the Depression. The rough working shirt and pants buttons are of  zero 
interest to the collectors, except of course the so-called calico buttons  
ornamented with transfer print designs that often decompose in archaeological  
contexts. Many of the military collectible books are useful, but of course many  of 
those collectors are the antithesis of archaeologists because they rip  
through privies in search of their treasures. Then again, I am always happy to  be 
enlightened.
 
Ron May
Legacy 106, Inc.
 
 
In a message dated 1/1/2008 6:48:24 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
[log in to unmask] writes:

A small  group of folks are showing an interest in books that identify 
BUTTONS.  Enough interest may be generated to attempt to develop or 
publish a  document (book etc.) for reference.

Do any of you HISTARCH folks have  books, documents or what have you 
that are all ready in print that could  be used as a starter? Are you 
willing to share? Sure, there are piece meal  publications out there 
but where are they?

Certainly could use some  help, ideas!





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