
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, September 24, 1995                   TAG: 9509260034
SECTION: HOMES                    PAGE: 1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: KATHY SUE GRIGG
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THERE'S BEAUTY IN BUTTON COLLECTING

Over the years, collecting buttons has been a hobby for many people. Buttons were first made, in the United States, in the early 17th century. The earliest buttons were made of pewter, then brass, followed by copper and zinc. Some of the copper was obtained from worn kettles.

During the Civil War, it was rumored that soldiers put gold pieces inside their buttons. If they were captured by the enemy, they could offer a ransom. Queen Elizabeth I was once given a pair of gloves with 23 small buttons of gold - each with a small diamond inset.

Buttons of value were left to individuals as part of their inheritance. Buttons have advantages over many collectibles because:

nYou can start collecting buttons without leaving your home.

There are happy and sad memories connected with buttons. They may be from your wedding gown, your father's service uniform or your child's christening gown ... the list can go on and on.

nCollecting buttons can be fairly inexpensive and the storage space does not take up much room.

nThere is a lot of beauty and art in buttons. You can use them on your clothes by sewing them on a blouse or tee-shirt.

nThey can be easily transported too.

Collecting objects that were made out of buttons can be fun. A "Charm String" was something the maidens created. They were various lengths and each button was different. The maidens would put 999 buttons on a string and wait for their lover to come along; then, the lover would add the 1,OOOth button.

Wall decorations were made by sewing buttons onto velvet ribbons. Buttons were not only decorative, but they were also functional, at least, before the invention of the zipper.

Some say the most valuable button in the world is in Rome. It is called the Morse or Cope button. Benvenuto Cellini and 10 other craftsmen made this button in 1530. It took one and a half years to complete. It measures six inches in diameter and is made of gold, diamonds and other valuable gems.

Do you remember the game "Button, button, who has the button?" Well, I do, and if you have children, maybe you should teach them how to play. It's surprising how much joy one button can bring.

by CNB