Chapter 5: Three-Hole China Buttons

February 5, 2012 by Janet

Chapter Five: Three-Hole China Buttons

There are seven plates of three-hole china buttons in Guidelines. The majority are diminutives (under 3/8″) but there are several examples of size small buttons also. My card of these is not representative of the buttons available. A list of the nine groups in this chapter and a few notes on each follows.

Dish Type, Body Style No. 1: (Diminutive) Opaque white; 5 different banded patterns; calico pattern in both 1 and 2 colors; entire top covered in gold; entire top and side covered in gold
Ink-Well Type, Body Style No. 2: (Diminutive) Opaque white; 4 different banded patterns; calico pattern; pearl luster; opaque body colors; marbled
Saucer Type, Body Style No. 3: (Diminutive) Opaque white; 1 banded pattern; calico; pearl luster; opaque body colors
Tire Type, Body Style No. 4: (Diminutive) Opaque white; edge banded in gold; pearl; gold and blue luster; pearl with gold band; opaque body colors
Plate Shape, Body Style 5: (Diminutive) Pearl luster
Scalloped Edge (Small): opaque white
Back Interest (Reverse of button differs): opaque white and silver luster
Radiating-Line Rim Type: (Diminutive) Opaque white; 6 different banded patterns; pearl luster; opaque body colors
Hobnail Type: (Diminutive and Small) Opaque white; 3 different banded patterns; orange and pearl luster; opaque body colors

Here is a sample card from the Bapterosses Factory in Briare, France, showing the transition in size from the three-hole to the four-hole buttons in several different body types. From left to right: dish, saucer, tire, inkwell, hobnail, piecrust, smooth top. Size range is 7/32″ to first four-hole at 11/32″

Probably the buttons in this group most attractive to collectors are the size small three-hole examples and the calico patterns. I believe there is a size small calico three-hole button, but it has completely escaped my grasp. Shown below are a few photos just for fun.