DIV IV - Other Related Specialties 

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Section 9 of Div IV serves to identify those button related items not covered by other sections in Division IV. It is reasonable to assume that items in this section were less popular or less widely found in collections and, thus, did not rise to the level of the other Division IV items that are assigned their own separate section. This section contains three types or classes of specialties including an unlisted type to account for button-like accessories not listed elsewhere in the National Button Society Blue Book¹.

Class 9-1 covers bachelor buttons.  They are buttons that were designed to be removable and replaceable without a needle and thread, but, unlike studs or links, they do not require a button hole for attachment. More than 30 patents were granted after the mid 1850s for this type of button. The inventors usually defined their purpose as a replacement for a lost button (think bachelor) or for the convenience of those who had to remove buttons for laundering the clothes. They were never intended to be used as links or studs, so they do not fit in Sections 6. They functioned as normal buttons and, like rivet shank buttons, were attached to the fabric by mechanical means.  Unlike the rivet shanks, bachelor buttons needed no special tools to attach them and most bachelor buttons could be removed and replaced without damaging the garment. An article² in the July 2010 National Button Bulletin provides further information. Clicking on the image at the upper right will show several manufacturer cards of "bachelor buttons."

Class 9-2 deals with snapettes, which were likely used to fasten coats starting in the late 1930s. A snapette is a button like device with a decorative front piece which is connected to a separate metal disk or shape sewn to the garment. The two are often connected with a chain and the closure mechanisms include a snap, pin, clamp, or pendant.  An informative and colorful article³ in the May 2006 National Button Bulletin nicely explains these items.

Class 9-3 of related specialties covers unlisted items. One example is included here. It is the tie tack which needs no explanation. How they found their way into this section is vague but, like many of the items in Division IV, they are button-like in appearance and serve as a garment fastener. They do not fit in Section 5, Costume Trimmings, since they served the functional purpose of securing the tie to the shirt. They were sometimes sold with fancy cuff links and range from very ornamental items made with precious metals and gems to amusing and utilitarian varieties.

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