Smaller cards (approx 6×9 mm) seem to have come onto the market in the late 1940s. Before that the cards were larger (approx 10×20 mm). The price per button was often written on the card, and the number the customer wanted would be cut off. As a consequence, there are many partial cards out there which makes identification difficult. Also, many of the complete cards are not labelled by country and/or maker. Instead they are labelled something along the lines of ‘Lastest Fashion’ or ‘Fashion Buttons’. Therefore, even when labelled, it can be impossible to know whether they were manufactured here, or imported.
‘LOVELY LADY’:
I’ve dubbed these light blue cards with rounded corners and this artwork the ‘Lovely Lady’ brand. Please see the General Plastics page for more information.
AMERICAN STYLED:
Probably dated from the 1950s as ‘American Styled’ fashions were popular in the late 1940s into the 1950s.
The two that aren’t labelled ‘Made in Australian’ were purchased from NZ. Perhaps they were made there?
From Lois.
Thanks, Carol.
EXCLUSIVE BUTTONS:
See also the general Plastics page.
JOY-TU-BOIL:
The 4 hole greens probably date after WW2, when the equipment to drill 4 holes was introduced into Australia.
From Carol’s collection.
” boyl “??
Northern Star (Lismore.NSW), 28th July 1947.
Exert from ad: Daily Mercury (Mackay, Qld) 30th August 1948.
LATEST FASHION/FASHIONABLE BUTTONS:
The illustrations below are from advertising dated between 1942 to 1946. One shows buttons shaped as a silhouette of a lady that has also been seen on Coronet branded cards, so these may have been made by the same company, possibly General Plastics.
The Daily News, 14th Jan 1942.
23rd September 1943.
The Sun, 14 Feb 1946. The design on the left is also found on Coronet branded cards.
Above: From Carol’s collection
The three from the left are of the same design.
Above : From Carol’s collection
Thanks to Lois.
MODERN MISS:
These buttons were most likely produced by General Plastics prior to the use of the name ‘Beauclaire’ (pre 1951). See the General Plastics page.
ROSALEA:
There was Rosalea brand wool advertised in the 1930s. Perhaps these buttons came from the same company?
Beautiful glossy Rosalea brand buttons. On the back of the complete card is pasted this news article that dates from October 1943. Although the card does not state ‘made in Australia’, the article comes from an Australian newspaper.
Thanks to Carol.
Who made these? Many manufacturers sold boilproof buttons.
From Carol’s collection. Not sure if these are buttons or dress ornaments.