Page 35 - January1948

NATIONAL BUTTON BULLETIN 33

The best information I have been able to secure seems to indicate that
these buttons were of American manufacture but were probably the result
of an attempt to imitate a more cosily imported product.
This statement would seem to be borne out by the fact that these foil
backs have been found on the original cards, which bore the heading .,Bou-
tons Pour Dames!" It seems well-established that such cards were freely
rused by Arnerican manufacturers.
It is evident that much yet remains to be rearned as to the when, the
wl19re, and the why of these little foil backs. However, this brief discussion
will have served its purpose if the attention of collectors is airectea toward
this interesting family of glass buttons.

CASH'S SILK EMBROIDERED WASHING BUTTONS

This heading, together with the trade-
nralk, the three spires of Coventry, is found
on the original cards of these finely made
coveled buttons with beautiful woven de-
signs.
The finn of John and Joseph Cash of
Coventry, England was organized in 1g64.
Today, the English company has as its presi-
dent, Ccl. R. J. Cash, a grandson of one of
the founders. A branch of this company
was opened in South Norwalk, Connecticut
in 1906, however, no buttons were ever
made here. *
Tlre English firm, known as the J & J
Cash Company, made buttons such as were
sholvn in Indianapolis at the Forum by Mrs.
Edna Parker', (a mere handful of the but-
tons is reploduced here). The time of their
manufacture was sometime after the first
World Wal and then only for a short pe-
riod. This company makes ribbons and
labels and supplies the British government
with ribbon for the decorations used by the
Alrned Forces. The Connecticut branch
makes I'ibbons and identification tapes with
personal names for clothing.
Oragiu:rl S[![l)le C.rrd Palts of the Coventry factory were de-
stroyed by the German Air Force durine
tu'o raids in 1940 and 1941.
A few examples shown here have entire woven face designs, but the
rnajority of the buttons exhibited by Mr"s. Parker show a central motif such
as a flower. bild, or butterfly. Each pattern is represented in a varlety of
colors, seven to be exact. The florvers are the daisy, buttercup, mo"ning
glory, chrvsanthernum, rose and poppy; the two types of birds arL'the swar--
low and robin.
The white silk cloth buttons shown by illrs. parker are approximately /a,,
in size, a few are 3/8", and they are embroidered in every iotor in lottr ile
pastel and darker shades, also, with the designs woven in all white or black,
antl silk thread was used fol the pattel'n design. The matelial used for the
covering is an extremely fine quality of fabric; the metal used for the body
of the mold is zinc, and the buttons may be laundered without fear oi
rusting.
)t'j are _inqebted to Mr. Harold W. Cirrlson for the inforrnation regarding
the history of the firm,. which was obtained from t-he connecticui-b;;;.h-, .,;h;;
he (illled in person to inquire I'egaraling buttons of this kind.
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