Antler buttons...

[Black Hand]

I agree, but....
1+1+3=x, and x=5 (results based on available information) or 1+1+x=5, where x=3

x is not 7, or red, or short-starter...

Interpretation of existing data leads to something that fits within the boundaries set by the evidence. It should not lead to something far outside, or be applied to an unrelated object.

As an aside, unless it was a coat (outerwear), waistcoat or breeches from a specific period, being extremely specific on a shirt is a little absurd (as the changes were somewhat minor over ~100+ years), and I understand you telling them (and politely telling them where they could put their shirt). A very specific example of the inability to critically analyze available data.

But we digress from the topic of buttons...

 

[Stophel]

Most common types of buttons? What Black Hand said. :wink:

Pewter buttons are sold by virtually every supplier today, and are fairly cheap, and there are a few different varieties to be had. Frankly, I think they are TOO commonly seen among reenactors, who don't bother getting different or better buttons on their clothing. In the period, there were pewter buttons of numerous designs available. Plain flat ones were common, of course. Brass buttons are made with a brass disc, slightly domed or flat, and a wire shank is soldered to the back of it. Fabric covered buttons are very commonly seen on coats, vests, and breeches, made of fabric matching the garment. Easy to make (though I find somewhat hard to sew on!), requiring only a form. Horn, bone, and wood button forms were sold in the zillions, and are a disc with a hole in the center (the hole was just where the center of the cutting bit was). I have made my own 1 cent fabric covered buttons... by using a penny for the button form! There are also "Death's Head" buttons... don't know why they're called that, and also basketweave and star patterned buttons that are made of thread wrapped over a form. Deaths head buttons were quite popular for coats and waistcoats. Thread buttons are of at least two different types, one is the small type that is commonly found on shirts. I can make those. I have photos of a mid 18th century linen herringbone twill sleeved waistcoat/jacket with plain thread buttons. There's another type that is made on a brass ring form with a spider web-ish sort of design in the middle, which I BELIEVE are classified as "Dorset buttons". I've seen at least one 18th century shirt with these buttons. I've read of 18th century bone and horn (meaning cow horn) buttons, and can only presume that they are of the familiar two-hole type, but I have yet to see any original ones.

Then, of course, there were silver buttons, gold buttons, copper buttons, tombac buttons, pinchbeck buttons, engraved buttons, buttons with "paste stones" and even gems set in them. Lots of different designs, many of these made into "sleeve buttons" (linked buttons), so a man could have fancy buttons for all his shirts and only have to buy one set of buttons!

Even out on the frontier, the fancier buttons are found. If I recall correctly, Daniel Boone was noted to have regularly worn a red waistcoat with silver buttons with his name engraved upon them.

Do a Google Image Search of "18th century buttons" and browse the bounty that is the internet! :haha:

 

[Stophel]

I now did just that and found this fantastic 18th century sheet making fun of the button fad, with the lady blinded by the huge gleaming buttons on the man's coat! :haha:

 

[tenngun]

This proving such and such existed, or didn't exist, back then is a never ending issue.

Using documented items really isn't all that restrictive and leads to a far better interpretation because one is using what was KNOWN to be available. Admittedly, there may be a few items where some interpretation might be needed, but we also know what materials & construction methods were used (by examining similar items) and can make informed decisions.

As a side note: Many/most Rendezvous aren't all that strict about their requirements for PC/HC, so there is really no "fun-sucking" going on. People pretty much do whatever they want, and it is the job of the organizers to enforce their rules. On the other hand, the camps of people who make an effort to be PC/HC are easily recognized.

Additionally, Naked is always PC/HC, but for the events I've attended, Naked is something that SHOULD NEVER be seen.

Well naked me should never be seen, but I have seen some show up at events who may be well recieved naked

 

[satx78247]

Speaking for myself, NOBODY would want to see me in a breechclout, necklace of animal claws & moccasins.==> Those days are GONE!
(CHUCKLE)

yours, satx

 

[tenngun]

Clothing was invented by old fat boys :wink:

 

[satx78247]

YEP.

I'm reminded of the old story about two elderly ladies who saw an old man (who was evidently "missing some screws") running around and around their block "nekkid" & screaming:
One lady said, "Molly, WHAT was that thing, making all that awful noise?"
The other lady said, "I don't know Honey, but it surely needs ironing."

yours, satx

 

[Wes/Tex]

Or the geezer who streaked the flower show and got first prize for 'dried arrangement'!

 

[satx78247]

RotflmRao.

yours, satx

 

[Rifleman1776]

Speaking for myself, NOBODY would want to see me in a breechclout, necklace of animal claws & moccasins.==> Those days are GONE!
(CHUCKLE)

yours, satx

At our last warm weather ronny my club had several of the guys (all well into retirement age) were wearing breech clouts with Jockey briefs underneath. Can't describe how dorky that looked. Nude would have been better. :shocked2:

 

[Wes/Tex]

"Tighty-whities and loin cloths is not a pretty picture! :shake: :haha:

 

[satx78247]

I'll NEVER forget the year at "OA ORDEAL" in SE OK, when a well over 300# Scouter (and about 5 foot, 5 inch) & Vigil Honor member (an over-50YO Lodge Advisor) showed up in breechclout, feather roach & a bear-claw necklace. = Wasn't a "real purty" sight.
(CHUCKLE)

yours, satx