Patterns and Symbols  (Section 22)

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Attention:  This section, unlike all the other classification sections, is designed in anticipation of the changes to the Patterns section as discussed in the May 2009 National Button Bulletin. The purpose is to provide easy internet access for those interested and engaged in the proposed definitions and change process.  The new definitions do not become effective until the Official NBS Classification Guide is revised. The design and examples for Symbols remain tied to the current 2009/2010 classification guide. A revision to the Symbols section is planned for a later date.

 

Celluloids
Ceramics1
China
Enamel
Fabric1
Black Glass
Clear/Colored Glass
Glass In/On Metal
Horn
Metals
Shell1
Synthetic
Vegetable Ivory
Wood
Other Materials
Animals
Objects
Plants
Other Pictorials
Patterns
Backgrounds
Back Mark Types
Shanks
Construction Types
Shapes
Realistics
Studios
Eighteenth Century
Usage (Non-Military)
Uniform
 

Patterns

 
22-1.1 All-over patterns  (formally diaper and wallpaper) - Repeating single or combined motif(s) extending to, or over, the edge of the button or to a frame or border. Pattern may consist of uniformly repeating small geometric figures, lines, dots, etc., or a portion of a larger repeating pictorial motif. Pictorial motifs may also be used in appropriate pictorial sections.

22-1.1.1  Plaid - Multiple lines/bands crossing at right angles, spaced to create a distinctive pattern.

 

22-1.2 Curvilinear designs (loops, scrolls, vermiform, wavy lines) - Designs based on curved lines. Includes listed examples and subclasses. Loops: a curved line crossing itself repeatedly to form multiple teardrop shapes. Need not be interlaced. Scrolls: C-scroll is an arc with ends curled inward, one or both ends having bulbous or pointed ends. S-Scroll is similar but S-shaped. Vermiform: one or more meandering lines/paths resembling worm tracks. Wavy lines: nested undulating lines.

     

     

           

Loops

     

     

            

Scrolls

      

        

Vermiform

      

          

  Wavy lines

22-1.2.1  Filigree - A delicate lace-like design of actual intertwined wire or a molded, stamped or cut imitation. Openwork not required for this class.

22-1.2.2  Fleur-de-lis - A stylized representation of a 3-petaled lily. Typically, mirror-images C-scrolls curve outward from either side of a tall pointed central "petal." These are tied together with a horizontal band or other simple device, below which may be short extensions of these "petals/stems" or nothing at all.
22-1.2.3  Heart - Symmetrical or distorted motif with 2 lobes on top converging to a point at the bottom. The lobes and points need not join.
22-1.2.4  Paisley - A comma or curved- teardrop-shaped motif containing and/or surrounded by some amount of decorative stylized plant forms or scrolls. A yin-yang is not appropriate here, but belongs in Turned designs (turn-around).
22-1.2.5  Spiral/coil - A continuous curved line/band revolving outward from a fixed point.
22-1.2.6  Stylized plant forms - Design suggestive of plant life rather than true to nature.
 

22-1.3  Geometric designs - Patterns adapted from basic plane geometry forms. With the exceptions of Circle and Quilt-like, all geometric designs must have straight sides unless stated in award.  Basic contour shapes, such as cubes and pyramids are considered to be poor choices for squares and triangles.  However, contour shaped buttons may be enhanced with additional patterns created through working methods such as faceting or the addition of other material embellishment (OME) and decorative finish (DF).

22-1.3.1  Circle (Includes circle segments and crescent) - A figure enclosed by a single curved line with is equidistant from a central point. Circle Segments: an arc, semi-circle, crescent, pie shape or other section of a circle.
     

     

Circle

                

Circle Segments (including crescents)

22-1.3.2  Three sided figure (triangle) - A 3-sided figure with straight sides. Angles need not be equal.

22-1.3.3  Four sided figures (diamond, square, rectangle) - Diamond: 4-sided figure with equal sides and 2 obtuse and 2 acute angles. Rectangle: 4-sided figure with right angles. Square: 4-sided figure with 4 equal sides/angles.

          

   

Diamonds

          

    

Rectangles

 

  

Squares

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Classes or Subclasses Shown

Examples for all classes/subclasses are shown. Many other variations within subclasses will exist.

Acknowledgments

The proposed classification information used for the update of this section came from an article published in the May 2009 issue of the National Button Bulletin. Special thanks to Barbara Barrans, Judy Stopke and Louella Yeargain for collaborating in the update of this section. The author takes full responsibility for any errors in the classification examples.