Abstract

This button follows exactly the pattern of the Larner button (BBB Plate 153, #8) just above, but is half the size and therefore less well defined. It also has a silver rather than gold sheen. A shank is welded onto the back.

Abstract

Perhaps the defining mark on this lovely dark button in fine condition is the curled tendril just above the fox's head. The red tint in the Larner exemplar is unmistakable here. BBB Plate 153, #3. Steel back and wire shank.

Abstract

Perhaps the defining mark on this lovely dark button in fine condition is the curled tendril just above the fox's head. The red tint in the Larner exemplar is unmistakable here. BBB Plate 153, #3. Steel back and wire shank.

Abstract

The background of this unusual button is a milky blue. Out of it is a raised scene painted in gold. Other buttons bought in the same Dutch auction include Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, and Frogs and a Cart. The latter has at least three frogs. So, apparently, it is not the Aesopic fable of the two frogs, one of whom lived on the road.

Abstract

Identical in motif with the other FS buttons I have. This is a dramatic button! Slightly larger than, but identical in motif to, BBB Plate 152, #5.

Abstract

Here a brass-colored band seems to be folded over the hook-bearing celluloid back and the bronze and black metallic front of the button. The stork has its long beak in the vase while the fox looks on. Apparently in the same set as the two 3/4" FS buttons. Apparently #16 on Plate 152 in BBB.

Abstract

As with the 1" buttons with which these seem to be matched, a brass-colored band seems to be folded over the hook-bearing celluloid back and the bronze and black metallic front of the button. The stork has its long beak in the vase while the fox looks on. These two smaller buttons seem identical to me, though I do not think that they are identical with the slightly smaller FS button.

Abstract

As with the 1" buttons with which these seem to be matched, a brass-colored band seems to be folded over the hook-bearing celluloid back and the bronze and black metallic front of the button. The stork has its long beak in the vase while the fox looks on. These two smaller buttons seem identical to me, though I do not think that they are identical with the slightly smaller FS button.

Abstract The conception of the scene seems slightly different here from both the 1" and the 3/4" FS versions. The defining line at the bottom of the scene is higher. The strong set of defining masses at the lower right seems to have been lost. It is not as clear that the fox grasps the neck of the vase. The fox sits back here, and the stork is well removed from the button's right rim. The whole rim has a copper hue. As with the other exemplars of this scene, that copper-colored band seems to be...

Abstract

The same in motif motif as the Gotbuttons larger button with these differences: this is brass, smaller, and marked with "Solidaire Bte SGDG" rather than "Breveté" on the back. The metal of this button shows less relief than that of others I have, and the button is thus considerably brighter. This button has the same construction as that, including the self-shank. This specimen seems to be that presented as #11 on Plate 152 of BBB.

Abstract Developed from J.J. Grandville's illustration, I believe, because the doctor's pan is visible near the wolf's back paw. The stance of the figures is that of Grandville's illustration. This and the following three buttons from the same manufacturer are remarkably similar despite their different colors and sizes. The stamped metallic front seems to have been folded over the back, which is lifted at its center to form a tunnel-hole, where others have an implanted hook or circle. BBB calls this...

Abstract

Might this be someone's conception of the story of the two monks from Bidpai? In any case, there is a large stein or pitcher to the right of the right monk, who clearly holds a drinking vessel. As I study this button more closely, I am not convinced that the two men must be monks. If I keep this button in the collection, I will at least know where to find it when I learn that it really is a fable button!

Abstract

This is a one piece pressed brass button with a silvered finish and a loop shank. At first it appears to be identical with the Goldbarg button of the same dimensions, but it includes so much more detail that I think it might have been produced independently.

Abstract

This is a pressed, one-piece silvered brass button in excellent condition. The illustration adapts Doré's illustration of La Fontaine's V 3 ("Le petit Poisson et le Pêcheur") well to the circular form, changing some things around the man, who is clearly in the posture and attitude that Doré had given him. BBB Plate 153 #12. I continue to be amazed at what people have made out of fables!

Abstract

The goat (or stag?) stands perched on a rock. There seems to be no other figure in the picture. He faces stalks or limbs of trees. Behind him seem to be further rocks. A braided sheath pattern runs around the perimeter of this brass button.

Abstract

The goat seems not to be pictured, instead there is a crag that sticks out almost directly above the lion who wants to beckon him down to the lush valley. BBB shows an apparently larger button with almost the same image on Plate 152 #7. Do I pick up some tint in this brass? The button may even have four pieces, since a very pleasant shiny rim encircles the whole scene and may be independent of the button's facing.

Abstract

This is a pressed, one-piece silvered brass button in fair to good condition. Like the larger Wiedeman exemplar of the same scene but less distinct, this button adapts Doré's illustration of La Fontaine's V 3 ("Le petit Poisson et le Pêcheur") well to the circular form. In fact, even the backs of the two buttons are remarkably similar.

Abstract

Identical with the Goldbarg button described above, except that this lacks the silvered finish. Like the Goldbarg button, it is sketchier in design than the Larner button of the same size; and of course it lacks the silvered finish.

Abstract

Clearly the same scene as the larger Gotbuttons and Goldbarg versions of WC. Thus it is also developed from J.J. Grandville's illustration. The doctor's pan is not so easy to identify here. The stance of the figures is that of Grandville's illustration. The stamped metallic front again seems to have been folded over the back with a self-shank surrounded by the manufacturer information quoted above.

Abstract

Identical with the bronze button described just above. Might this button be slightly larger than that? The silver buttons in this series are harder to read than the bronze.

Abstract

Identical with the bronze button described just above. Might this button be slightly larger than that? The silver buttons in this series are harder to read than the bronze.

Abstract The surprise with these button cards is that the fable illustration – clearly taken from one of La Fontaine's most beloved fables in each case – has nothing perceptible to do with the buttons! The fable is never named. The verso provides either the lot number, always beginning with "975-22" but then varying for two further digits, or these lot numbers plus a short promotion of the buttons in French and English. While cataloguing these seven cards received from Moriceau Esméralda, I found...

Abstract The surprise with these button cards is that the fable illustration – clearly taken from one of La Fontaine's most beloved fables in each case – has nothing perceptible to do with the buttons! The fable is never named. The verso provides either the lot number, always beginning with "975-22" but then varying for two further digits, or these lot numbers plus a short promotion of the buttons in French and English. While cataloguing these seven cards received from Moriceau Esméralda, I found...

Abstract The surprise with these button cards is that the fable illustration – clearly taken from one of La Fontaine's most beloved fables in each case – has nothing perceptible to do with the buttons! The fable is never named. The verso provides either the lot number, always beginning with "975-22" but then varying for two further digits, or these lot numbers plus a short promotion of the buttons in French and English. While cataloguing these seven cards received from Moriceau Esméralda, I found...

Abstract 1960? Cards of Iminacre buttons using La Fontaine fable designs. About 2" x 3⅛". Four to six buttons per card. $2.32 per card from Lisagora, Machecoul, France, March, '19. €5 each for GA and an extra of LM from Jerome David, Beauvais, France, through Ebay, Nov., '20. $5.58 for TT with peacock blue buttons from Skopadiddle Vintage through Etsy, Nov., '20 . Six sets, including "Horse and Ass," for $20 from Bertrand Cocq, Calonne-Ricouart, France, Sept. 20. Also included: extras of LM;...