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| Off the Shelf: Book Review by Special Correspondent Linda Kent |
The easy-to-read format combine with extensive historical identifications to make Button Heritage my favorite button reference book.
The best feature of the book is the attention to detail button collectors crave. There are concise, informative descirptions of the buttons and their construction. Here is a quote from the section on story buttons:
11. "D'ARTAGNAN" principal character in "The Three Musketeers" by Alexander Dumas. On the button, D'Artagnan is seen surrendering his sword because he has engaged in duelling,forbidden to a member of the King's Guard. Pressed brass, figure in high relief. Very scarce. $25.00."For this hardcover, 273-page book, the buttons were photographed at their the actual size which helps the beginner collector become familiar with the National Button Society's specifications. There are 114 catagories listed alaphebetically. Each catagory is further indentified by specific page numbers where that type of button is mentioned, for example, there are three areas where enamels are discussed, and all of those pages are indexed. Pearls, steels, insects and sporting (to mention just a few catagories) also have multiple pages, making for quick reference. Because there are only about 1,800 buttons listed, the ease of finding a particular button is enhanced. Every button is given its special, uncrowded space in an easy, pleasing arrangement that can also give new collectors ideas on setting up cards of buttons for competition.
Most of the page headings have a condensed susmmary of the buttons on that page. For example, on the page entitled, "Enamels," there is a brief description of the difference between champleve and cloisonne enamels. Since one of the authors' first name was Minvera, it is no wonder that there are two pages devoted to "Minvera", the daughter of Jupiter.
There are drawbacks to this book, however. First, only ten pages have colored photographs; Four of deluxe buttons and six of glass, paperweights, calicoes and waistcoats buttons. The remaining pages are in black and white and while they are well photographed, the lack of color is disappointing. Also, the values of the buttons are terribly out-dated.
Even so, the wealth of information and simple reading style make it one of the best button books ever written. I would like to see this type of button book once again be published with updated, corrected information and current prices.
Many thanks to Linda for her help...Volunteer your own book review today! -- ed.
| The Beauty of Cheshire Jewels: Article by Special Correspondent Pam Drake |
In 1901 the Cheshire Manufacturing Company combined with the Ball and Socket Fastener Co. of Portsmouth N.H. and became the Ball and Socket Manufacturing Co. Garters, trim and snap fasteners were added to the button line; gradually these items were dropped and buttons became their major focus.
In l914 a new and modern brick building was designed for the company by W.S. Richardson. He did considerable research in Chestershire, England incorporating the oldest building in that area into his design for the new building in CT.
The Ball and Socket Co. "ceased operations in July 1994 and sold off some assets and equiipment to various companies in Waterbury. It was officially closed in December 1994"; according to the Cheshire Herald, February 9, l995.
This information was taken from Just Buttons articles; a listing of articles regarding Cheshire Jewels can be found on page 157 of the Big Book of Buttons. My thanks to Beth Shutts who responded from the Cheshire Public Library (by email) to my inquiry regarding the current history of the Co.
