The purpose of this section is to provide examples of shell buttons as defined in the NBS Classification Guide1
(Blue Book)
including one or more examples of each type in the listings and, with one
exception noted, an example
that covers each term in the definitions. No attempt is made to illustrate
the wide variety of possibilities in the shell categories.
Scanning and photographing
buttons have distinct limitations in the areas of perspective,
color, details, and dimensions. Thus, many buttons do not reveal
their true character and appearance in the photos or scans. When
uncertainty exists, ask a fellow club member or a dealer to show you
an actual example of the button in question.
A worksheet for Shell buttons has been provided and can be printed or
downloaded using the link at the bottom of this page.
| Hover your mouse over the button images below to see the back of the button | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 11-1 Iridescent - Abalone (1-5/8") |
 11-1 Iridescent - Ocean Oyster (1") |
 11-1 Iridescent - Smoky Pearl Oyster (1") |
 11-1 Iridescent - Trochus (1") |
 11-1 Iridescent - Green Snail Turbo (1-1/4") |
 11-1 Iridescent - Fresh Water Mussel (1") |
 11-1 Iridescent - Nautilus (1-1/8") |
 11-1 Iridescent - Colonial (not 18th Century) (1") |
 11-1 Iridescent - Oyster Shaded (1") |
 11-1.1 Bethlehem Pearl (1-5/8") |
 11-2 Non-Iridescent - Helmut (1-1/16") |
 11-2 Non-Iridescent - Operculum Cat's Eye (1") |
 11-2 Non-Iridescent - Pinna Div I (5/8") |
 11-2 Non-Iridescent - Pinna Studio (1-3/4") |
 11-2 Non-Iridescent - Conch Cameo (1") |
 11-2 Non-Iridescent - Cowry Engraved (1-1/8") |
 11-2 Non-Iridescent - Cowry (1-1/8") |
 11-2 Non-Iridescent - Tiger Cowry OME (1-1/8") |
 11-2 Non Iridescent - Olive (1") |
 11-2 Non Iridescent - African Turbo (1-7/8") |
|
11-2 Non-Iridescent - Chiton Have not yet found example. Viewer input would be appreciated. |
 11-3 Back Types - 3 Hole (1/2") |
 11-3 Back Types - 4 Hole (3/4") |
 11-3 Back Types - 6 Hole (3/4") |
 11-3 Back Types - Pad Back 18th Century (with spider) (1-1/2") |
 11-3 Back Types - Swaged Metal Box Shank (1-1/8") |
 11-3 Back Types - Self Shank - Shape (5/8") |
 11-3 Back Types - Swaged Metal Loop Shank/OME (1-1/2") |
 11-3 Back Types - Solder Shank (3/4") |
 11-3 Back Types - Whistle (1/2") |
 11-4.1 DF - Dyed - Blue (3/4") |
 11-4.1 DF - Dyed - Green (5/8") |
 11-4.1 DF - Dyed - Red (1/2") |
 11-4.1 DF - Dyed - Yellow (1/2") |
 11-4.1 DF - Dyed - Magenta (11/16") |
 11-4.1 DF - Dyed - Wax Resist (1-1/4") |
|
Acknowledgments: Special thanks to Pat Koehler. Louella Yeargain, Barbara Barrans and Pat Fields for collaborating in the update of this section including their contribution of a number of the button images shown as examples. Potential labeling problems or suggested improvements should be directed to the Button Country team at Contact Us. References: (1) National Button Society Blue Book - Official NBS Classification and Competition Guidelines (2) Pearl and Shell Buttons - Margaret Kelso/Shirley Case, National Button Society - 2003 |
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