Mid to Late 1800’s Bone Buttons

Here is a mixture of bone buttons with varying degrees of simple decoration.  There are 14 undergarment buttons and about 28 buttons that would have been used on outer, more visible clothing.  These are made of bovine or swine bone which was soaked or steamed to soften then cut into buttons.  These buttons are modestly decorated, some with a slight cup, others with simple carvings.