Page 35 - November-December1965

Nov.-Dec., 1965 NATIONAL BU"TTON BULLETIN 281

- rn doing metal trays don't overlook silver, copper, so-called tin and other
white metals, as well as combinations of metol mateiiats, such as Damascenes, or
brass on steel and vice versa, yellow metal with silver color applied, etc. And
don't fotget the difierent ways in which they are assembled-use 6ut outs, etched
or engraved, different backs such as thread beck, pad back, back marks, etc. The
only time the thread back and ped back is not uied is when the award calls for
"AIJL METAL". You may not use C1. 14, Ja,p&nned or lacquered, when all-metal is
design&ted, as these flnishes are not considered a simple-paint.
will always patronize reputable dealers you can be fairly certain
of flnding
- -rf-_you. just what you need. The late Lillian Albert always said "use your own
eyes' measure and judgment in your selection, end don't alweys blame the dealer
for your own selection". An honest dealer will not risk his riputation by know-
ingly seUing you a questionabte button.
.Judges should use ttre N. B. S. Library for referencr when in doubt. A
customer of mine recently wrote that a button she had purchased from me had
twice been rejected as modern. This same button is piclured in the ,'complete
Button Book" as of the late 19th or early 20th century so it would still have at
least- fifteen years to go before it would be considered mdern. As you know, or
thqul.d fnow, the datq is prior to 1918 for buitons considered old bf our society.
But just as we can't date exacfly the 18th century buttons as late i?90,s or eariy
lgth century up to the 1810's, neither can we say definitely that a button's agL
is exactly 1918. So again, please give the beneflt of the doubt. Until we flnd out
di-fierently, with some measure of proof that a button's age is not as given in
our numerous button books, we will have to abide by these dates.

If you want this hobby to survive and to have plenty of competition, the
judges, as well as the exhibitors, are going to have to do more studiing. Unfor-
tunately, the exhibitor would be the best judge in his or her competitive class
nile times out of ten, but in all fairness he oi she cannot, or should not, judge
when there is an entry by him or trer. We, my husband and f, do not conipete,
even though like many of you we are collectors and must purchase our buttons
from other dealers when we find what we need. But the word ,.dealer', to
many is almost an obnoxious word, an outcast when it comes to exhibiting, even
l{rg"gt we bot}r, Gorge and I, have spent rnuch time, effot and money to iurther
this wonderful hobby. But oui greatest pleasure is to advise and assis-t any or all
members of our interesting and rewarding Society.
Do study the Classification Issues when making up a tray as they give some
excellent hints to the observing collector. I(eep abreasi of the new Classifications
which void the originals. There are some things, unfortunately, in print which
make it difficult for the collector as well as the dealer. Many pictures do not
show construction and cannot distinguish between the old and fhe new. Many
buttons have been reproduced, but the materials are not the same as the old.
So, Judges, watch for these and remove from the trays and note whether the
edge is sharp, or cheaply flnished, or full of unnatural scratches, etc., as these
characteristics do not sho\p from the top.
Please, collectors, don't complain after you have left our National meeting, but
speak to the Judges who will try to explain the decision to your satisfaction. rf
you do not aitend, then write for clarification to the chairman or Divisional
Judges. Ttue, mistakes have been made, but with the dearth of competent and
seasoned judges, many not too advanced collectors must be pressed into service,
and they do the best they can. Please be patient. Take your correction gxace-
fully, if legitimate, and be grateful for it. rt will improve your collecting in tne
long run.
Just a few last words to you judges: don,t forget to read and absorb ttre
Rules and Regulations; the Guides for Exhibitors and Judges; ttrre Glossary;
and don't forget to ALWAYS GM THE BENEEIT OF THE DOUBT, PLEASE.