Page 42 - May1990

88 NATNONAN, tsUlITON tsUN,N,ETNN MAY I99O

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN
(Or the before and afler of an 18th Gentury button)

Several years ago, a collector sent the editor an I 8th century button which from all
appearances seemed to be beyond salvation. The editor has wanted to have the button
taken apart to show the construction of it. He took it to a craftsman who was well
acquainted with buttons and asked that he take it apart. When he returned, hoping to
take pictures of the disassembled button, he found that the button had indeed been
taken apart, cleaned, repaired and put back together again. The result was
outstanding! Here was this button, which seemed to be headed for that big button in
the sky, reincarnated into a magnificent pristine button. Atthough we did not get the
pictures we had hoped, just seeing this button in its original state again was reward
enough.
It should be pointed out that repairing a button is not against the rules of the
National Button Society. converting a piece ofjewelry or other object into a button is
not acceptable. Ifyou have buttons which you feel are beyond repair, look for ajeweler
or craftsman in your home town who will try his skill on it. It is a pity to discard
buttons when there may still be life in it. Make sure the person repairing your buttons
is well versed on antique buttons and that he has the proper tools.
-MWS