Where to get bone buttons?

[Pritchett Ball]

I'm working on a shelter half for my federal impression, need some bone buttons for it. I emailed The Button Barron http://thebuttonbaron.com/ but as of yet had no response. I was looking at the 4-hole 5/8" bone buttons he listed, but am not sure that is what I need?

Does anyone know where else to get bone buttons, and was there a certain size specified for shelter half's?

Kevin Dally

[JimConley]

Re: Where to get bone buttons?

Contact S&S Sutler of Gettysburg. Tim and Debbie typically have a large stock of buttons available.

As far as the proper buttons, if you do not already have a copy, you need to pick up Fred Gaede's The Federal Civil War Shelter Tent. This is a fantastic reference and has served as a cornerstone for reproduction shelter halves from a wide range of vendors. It also includes multiple detailed photos and notes, which will help tremendously for your construction techniques, buttons, rope, backing/no backing, etc if you cannot get access to an original.

As far as originals, various button types are noted. Bone, blackened bone, zinc, paperback tin, blackened horn. Bone and tin seem to be the most common based upon surviving examples. 5/8" was a common size and would be a safe bet for your reproduction.

What type of half are you looking to reproduce? They can vary in size and construction based on location and time period of production.

[Doughboy]

Re: Where to get bone buttons?

Hate to divulge sources but I have bought several lots of 40 ea for as little as 6 bucks on Ebay.

[Michael Semann]

Re: Where to get bone buttons?

Kevin,

I emailed John Zaharias several times and finally got a response stating he would send me his latest catalog and the mailing address. I've yet to receive it, but will let you know the where/what if I do. As you know, his website doesn't provide any ordering info, updated or otherwise.

I used to order from the John all the time in years past, but he seems to have gone off the grid lately.

[Pritchett Ball]

Re: Where to get bone buttons?

All:

Appreciate the responses, John got a hold of me, obviously he gets orders like mine, as he had packets of buttons ready for such orders.

Thru pay-pal I will be able to order the buttons needed, catch being I need to order by Tuesday (9/4/12) so he can get order out to me before the Antietam event!

Kevin Dally

[Nordic Lass]

Re: Where to get bone buttons?

Michael, You can write to me at janetdhaese@hotmail.com . I will see to it a catalog finds its way to you. Cheers!

[hiplainsyank]

Re: Where to get bone buttons?

EBay is definitely the way to go for bone buttons.

[Michael Semann]

Re: Where to get bone buttons?

Thanks Janet. Since I've yet to hear back from John, I will take you up on your offer. Email on its way.

Cheers.

[Philip cav]

Re: Where to get bone buttons?

Check out antique stores, you never know what you can find there.