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WRBA BOARD Membership

President Harriett Brittenham TERRITORIAL WRBA membership year is Jan-Dec. 720 851-2574 [email protected] 6174 Saddlecreek Trail Parker CO 80134 Save $5 by joining for two years!

Annual Two-Year Vice President Ronnie Wexler

Junior (ages 8 thru 17) ... $5 ...... $10 408 309-7190 [email protected] 2274 River Bed Court Active member—print...... $25 ...... $45 Santa Clara CA 95054-1344

Black & white newsletters, Secretary Gil Biggie NEWS printed and mailed 775 971-9538 [email protected] Active member—email .... $20 ...... $35 9075 Wigwam Way, Reno NV 89506

Color PDF newsletters, Treasurer Marion Nebiker FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 sent via email 858 354-0337 [email protected] INSIDE THIS ISSUE Dual membership ...... $30 ...... $55 6190 Travers Way, Western Regional Button Association *residence at same address; one San Diego CA 92122-2129

newsletter sent in selected format At-Large Member Joy Journeay MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 1 Life ...... $250 907 223-1040 [email protected]

32545 Eagle Vista Drive WRBA 2017 INFORMATION 3 Membership is required to receive Eagle River AK 99577

the newsletter, compete in competition, Introduction of the ENTRANTS LUCKY LOTTERY 4 Past President Tom Barrans or to vote and have a voice in WRBA 559 683-6418 [email protected] CALLING ALL DEALERS 5 business. P O Box 2556, Oakhurst CA 93644

If you join midyear, old issues will CALL FOR NOMINATIONS & VOLUNTEERS 5 Show Chair Joy Journeay not be mailed to you. However, you 907 223-1040 [email protected] #15: (Venus) by Joy Journeay 6 may ask to receive past issues via email 32545 Eagle Vista Drive

in PDF format. Eagle River AK 99577

THE STORY BEHIND “THE CHERUB CHOIR” SILVER BUTTON 11 Send check or money order to the Web Chair Mika Jarmusz PINCHBECK — ANOTHER YELLOW METAL 12 Treasurer (address inside front cover), 503 371-0868 [email protected] payable to WRBA or pay via PayPal to 2845 “D” Street NE, Salem OR 97301

NBS SHOW BUTTONS FOR SALE 13 [email protected]. Judging Chair Barbara Barrans Greek Mythology #16: —aka CUPID 14 559 683-6418 [email protected] P O Box 2556, Oakhurst CA 93644

Greek Mythology #17: PSYCHE & EROS 20 Advertising Awards Chair Tom Barrans WRBA 2017 AWARDS LIST 23 559 683-6418 [email protected] P O Box 2556, Oakhurst CA 93644 WRBA News is published four (4) times

BUTTON EVENTS CALENDAR 26 per year, and is distributed Membership Chair Yessy Byl electronically or via the US mail. 11144 67th Street [email protected]

Edmonton, Alberta T5B 1K8 CANADA 780 474-8101 Rates Dimensions Per Per

Page** H x W Issue Year Newsletter Editor Joy Journeay NEXT ISSUE ¼ page 2” x 5½” $25 $85 907 223-1040 [email protected] Cherubs ½ page 4” x 5½” $35 $120 32545 Eagle Vista Drive Eagle River AK 99577 Full pg 7½ x 4½ ” $50 $165 Modern Enamels **based on 8x5 inch layout Education Chair Linda Weiner Three medium size heart buttons. 505 984-2371 [email protected] Amphritite Yellow metal with soft matte Submission deadlines 1055 Mansion Ridge Road Santa Fe NM 87501 paints. White metal with a Jan 5, Apr 5, Jul 5, Oct 5

Pegasus curvilinear inner border. Tan glass Submit advertising copy to the editor. Fundraising Chair VACANT Librarian / Historian VACANT with patterns: 3 hearts, diamond, Submit payment by PayPal to Treasurer. Palaemon triangle, radial design and lines! Parliamentarian VACANT

FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 Page 1 Page 2 FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1

1. Be a member of NBS. PRESIDENT’S 2. Have an account in a financial institution as checks will only be MESSAGE issued to clubs, not individuals. 3. Plan a creative, future event or initiative--bills for past expenditures FEBRUARY 2017 may not be submitted. This issue of the 4. Complete the grant application available on the NBS website. Territorial News is packed Can you think of other ways to promote buttoning? NBS would love to with all things “buttons” see your grant application in 2017. including the 2017 Last Minute Update: Awards. I love getting this I am thrilled to announce that Linda Weiner of New Mexico “raised her list as winter is a fabulous hand” and volunteered to serve as WRBA’s Education Chair. Linda is an time to get reacquainted enthusiastic collector and brings with her a love of and enthusiasm for with our buttons. Enjoy this researching and finding the facts. This approach has already brought two fabulous publication. innovative articles from Linda to our Territorial News and she has plans for I hope that you tried at least one suggestion for energizing clubs from more. Linda is committed to the discovery of new, pertinent information the last issue of the Territorial News. I know of a club that is trying to involving “all things buttons.” reduce time spent on business and increase time playing with buttons. I am Please welcome Linda to this important role and thank her for her excited to see how the year develops for them. Here are a couple of other service. WRBA is blessed with wonderful volunteers. Thanks to you all. If projects that you might consider: you have ideas for a workshop topic or articles, contact Linda at

New Member Kits: [email protected].

Perhaps many of you are already doing things to welcome new Please send ideas you have for reaching out to our communities and members to your clubs and state societies, but I wanted to share what Jane new members. I’d love to hear from you! Yours in buttoning, Hill, our Membership Chair in Colorado, gifts to each new member of her Thanks Mom, Hay Harriett Brittenham, President clubs. It’s a gift basket! She includes: mounting cards, a 10”X14”X1.5” piece of styrofoam and a couple of corn cob holders for punching holes in cards, a rubber glove for keeping those hands clean, a small package of wires, an assortment of buttons typically one from each of the major sections for them to identify and mount, applications for membership in NBS, WRBA and Colorado, and a small plastic tray for sorting. Also included is a copy of “Button Collecting 101” a beginner’s handbook authored by Susannah Jordan, Barbara Reiter and Jane Hill. Often a page or two on the history of buttons is among the goodies. New members are delighted and Judy Schwenk immediately feel like a part of the community. Thanks for the idea, & Jim Nolan Jane. We encourage our other clubs to start this practice.

NBS Matching Grants: 5518 Sugarloaf Street NBS is making available to state and local clubs Matching Grants. The Anacortes, WA 98221 “matching” thing means that for every dollar the applicant spends, NBS (360)-293-2315 gives a dollar, up to $500. The purpose of the Grant program is simple—to [email protected] reach out to the greater community and educate about buttons. Successful applicants have created professional marketing pieces, sponsored open We buy any size collections. houses at local museums and one state society moved their annual show to Approvals sent on request. a more highly populated area. Other initiatives that a grant might be used Contact us for your button needs. for include establishing an educational website, adding a public event or workshop to the yearly calendar and starting a “button speakers’ bureau.” The sky is truly the limit and an investment in time and money now will pay great benefits in the future. The applying organizations must: FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 Page 3 Page 4 FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 JOIN THE “ENTRANTS’ LUCKY LOTTERY” DOUBLE YOUR DOUBLE YOUR FUN DOUBLE YOUR LUCK!

Award competitors at the WRBA 2017 button show will have an opportunity to call on Lady Luck, while entering buttons in competition! Each competition entrant will pay the standard 50 cent entry fee per award. At the end of competition, sponsored prizes are awarded by competition merit. Each entrant has an opportunity to join the Entrants Lucky Lottery. Purchase tickets to win by matching award fees, or double down, ($1 per award entered) to double your chances to win! The lottery money is an additional prize available to all entering competition, without regard to competition results--even to those who measle! The lottery money collected will be given out by a drawing at the breakfast on Saturday. First, second and third place lottery winners will take home 50%, 30% and 20% of the pot. WRBA October 4-7 in Reno This is an entrants-only raffle; the more awards

Make room reservations and travel plans now! entered, the more chances you have to win the lottery prizes. As additional enticement to enter, members entering WRBA Harrah’s Hotel & Casino competition for the VERY FIRST TIME will receive TWO chances for each tray they enter if they https://www.caesars.com/harrahs-reno/hotel buy lottery tickets. Tickets are 50 cents each. 219 N Center Street, Reno NV 89501 (775) 786-3232 (888) 726-6311 reservations S10WRB7 FROM TOP: $62 a weeknights, $102 Friday & Saturday nights 1) Fortuna, goddess of luck and chance, with her wheel of fortune and cornucopia spilling gold coins. Large one piece pierced & stamped. Visit our website for all the details and watch for updates. 2) Large Lucite button with a brass shamrock. 3) Heavy metalized realistic dice. Registration forms will be on-line and in the May newsletter. 4) Large white glass depicting a shamrock and horseshoe. Self shank. Gold and silver luster. The tentative schedule and menus are also posted on the website. FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 Page 5 Page 6 FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 CALLING ALL DEALERS Greek Mythology #15—APHRODITE

If you are interested in having vendor tables at the 2017 WRBA Goddess of: Love, beauty, sexuality, lust, pleasure, procreation show October 4-7 at Harrah’s Hotel and Casino in Reno, you can send Home: MOUNT OLYMPUS your request, starting March 1, 2017, by USPS mail, to: Symbols: Dolphin, rose, scallop shell, myrtle, dove, sparrow, girdle, mirror, swan Jane Quimby, 34 Valley Road Ext., Hanover NH 03755 Parents: ; or and Include the number of six-foot tables you require, and a check for Consorts: , , Poseidon, , , Adonis, full payment of $75 for the first table & $50 for each additional table. Anchises Show registration for the dealer is included with the table fee and Siblings: , Ares, , , , Aphrodite, Dardanus, includes entry into the show room for the dealer only. Dionysus, , Hermes, , Helen of Troy, If a dealer orders three or more tables, the contract will include Hephaestus, Perseus, , , Graces entry into the showroom for one helper—please specify who that Children: Eros, , , , person will be when you mail in your payment. Pothos, , Himeros, Hermaphroditos, Rhode, Eryx, Please note that WRBA will not refund money to dealers should , , The Graces, , Aeneas, Roman Counterpart: Venus they cancel. You will remember that there are multiple versions of most myths, and certainly those related to Aphrodite vary. She is most CALL FOR NOMINATIONS & VOLUNTEERS known for her incredible beauty. The myths also portray her The following positions are open for nomination and election at incredible jealousy, insecurity, and WRBA 2017. Elected officers will serve two-year terms. cruel treatment of others. Gracious Also, if you will serve in a Chair position or as part of their team, is not a word used to describe her. please let us know! We welcome everyone who is interested. Again and again, Aphrodite seeks If you are interested, or would like to nominate a person, please revenge upon both mortals and contact our Vice President Ronnie Wexler at [email protected] the gods, seemingly to defend President: Chair of the Board and Executive Committee; appoint her place as MOST beautiful. committee chairpersons & representatives; delegate Hesiod wrote that Aphrodite responsibility; preside at meetings; prepare and distribute was born when cut off agendas; has power to sign documents. Uranus’ genitals and threw them Vice-President: perform all the duties and powers of the into the sea, from which she President in the absence of the President; assist in duties as arose fully formed riding in a directed by the President; chair nominating committee and scallop shell. Other versions have her conduct elections. born of Zeus and Dione. Treasurer: Receive and deposit monies; disburse funds; keep Because of her incredible beauty financial record; develop budget; prepare financial reports. and to prevent the gods’ potential Secretary: Keep minutes and record votes of all meetings and rivalry over her, Zeus married her proceedings; maintain and preserve records and correspondence; maintain the official membership list ABOVE RIGHT: The Birth of Venus. Stamped and provides the editor with current information. brass with dark paint and tint. Large. Member at Large: Serve on the board and represent the Barbara & Tom Barrans. membership. RIGHT: Venus & Ares. Small black glass with luster DF. FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 Page 7 Page 8 FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1

“The Birth of Venus” by Sandro Botticelli. 1485. Uffizi Gallery, Florence. “The Birth of Adonis” by Marcantonio Franceschini. 1690. Oil painting immediately to ugly, deformed on copper. Old Masters Gallery, Dresden, Germany. Hephaestus, who truly loved her and created beautiful gifts and jewelry When Myrrha becomes pregnant by her father, she is driven for her. out by her own shame. When Myrrha begs the gods to take her life Because she arose fully formed, and thus release her from the lust, they change her into a myrrh Aphrodite is portrayed without a child- tree. hood in the Greek myths. She had The myth does not end here, for under the tree bark her baby many lovers, both gods and mortals, continues to grow. In time the myrrh tree gives birth to Adonis. and most often Ares was her consort. Aphrodite finds the baby, chooses to be its surrogate mother, and In one myth, the mortal woman, takes it to the underworld to be raised by . Adonis grows Myrrha, bragged that her daughter to be known as the most beautiful of males. When Adonis is grown, Was more beautiful than Aphrodite. Aphrodite returns for him and becomes his lover. For this offensive indiscretion, But Persephone has grown attached and wants to keep him. Myrrha was cursed by Aphrodite to Zeus solves the dispute between the women by decreeing that insatiable lust after her father. Adonis must spent one third of his time with each woman and the additional one third with whomever he chooses. Adonis chooses Aphrodite for this additional portion. CENTER: Venus & Cupid. Reverse The hunter Adonis is slain by a wild boar, bleeding to death. painted glass set in silver by When he is carried to the underworld, Aphrodite wants to bring him Cynthia Greves. Medium. Courtesy of Gil & Don Biggie. back to life and Persephone wants to keep him. Zeus intervenes RIGHT: Large stamped brass with an once again, decreeing he will spend half his time with each. imitation cut steel border. Courtesy of Another memorable myth involves the marriage of Peleus and Byson Buttons. , eventual parents of Achilles. , the goddess of discord is FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 Page 9 Page 10 FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 not invited, and in anger makes a golden apple of discord and Pride Nymphomania Lying inscribes “to the fairest one” upon the Vanity Serial adultery Deceit apple, then throws it among the Jealousy Incest with brother Denial goddesses. Aphrodite, and Revenge Incest with daughters Infatuation Athena claim it as their own, each Murder Ridiculing & bullying Bickering believing that they are most Anger Passive/Aggressive Tattle Tale beautiful. Lust Ulterior motives Kidnapping Zeus instructs Paris to act Deceit Punish celibacy Egotist as judge and settle the dispute. Narcissist The goddesses undress to show their full glory and help him On an unrelated topic, I learned something new when I typed up choose. In addition, they each her list of consorts. My father, when discussing certain behavior, or offer him a bribe. the potential for said activity, would use the phrase “consorting Hera offers supreme power. about” in a tone implying that it was unapproved and unacceptable. Athena offers wisdom, fame and As a child I grasped that it seemed to mean having fun of some glory in battle. sort. Through buttons, at the age of 62, I discover that consorts are Aphrodite offers him Helen of sexual partners and now I know what “consorting about” means! Troy, the most beautiful mortal woman as a wife. Aphrodite is Aren’t buttons grand!!! unconcerned that Helen is Their ability to educate us is already married. Paris chooses incredible. Helen of Troy and Aphrodite wins the argument over beauty. She shamelessly flames Paris’s desire for Helen, resulting in his abducting her, and the Trojan War begins as a result. In another myth that illustrates Aphrodite’s APHRODITE & EROS (Cupid), her son. character, she curses a young TOP: Black jasperware, called woman, Polyphonte, who chose basalt, in brass. 18th Century. a chaste life, remaining a virgin, Medium. Judy Schwenk & Jim Nolan. over marriage and children. CENTER: Cameo molded white glass Aphrodite, the goddess of lust set in brass, painted black to and desire, was so angry she complement Aphrodite and Eros. ABOVE: Crouching Venus with caused Polyphonte to have Medium. Cupid. Josiah Wedgewood children by a bear. The jasperware, set in Pinchbeck. children were wild cannibals. 1795.

Many of Aphrodite’s behaviors were less than noble and would LEFT: Crouching Venus. An evoke true shame today. A list of her indiscretions grows quickly. engraving by Marcantonio She is either guilty of each of the following, or forced the action in Raimondi. 1480-1534. Based on others. the Crouching Venus, by Doidalsas. FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 Page 11 Page 12 FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 The Story Behind “THE CHERUB CHOIR” PINCHBECK: THE OTHER YELLOW METAL by Joy Journeay Christopher Pinchbeck was a London clock In 1786 and 1787, five year old maker who invented a cheap substitute for gold, Lady Frances Gordon posed for the making the “appearance of wealth” attainable artist, Sir Joshua Reynolds, who to more common Englishmen. In the world of was known for painting portraits fine jewelry, the term “pinchbeck” means a of the rich and famous. knockoff or “less than genuine” because it is The drawings of Frances were counterfeited as gold to the unsuspecting. used to create Reynold’s oil But, to us button collectors, it is another painting, “A Child’s Portrait in yellow metal that we should understand and Different Views,”— not a particularly cherish for its rich heritage. evocative title for a charming subject. The alloy contains copper and zinc, as does The artist’s composition appears to be our easily identified brass buttons. Brass uses a based upon a chalk drawing of four ratio of 1:3 or 2:3 in combining zinc with copper. Pinchbeck is created Hallmarked silver button. Medium. using a ratio of 1:10 and a treatment which prevents tarnishing. cherub heads by 17th century Collection of Harriett Brittenham. Italian artist, Carlo Maratta. Pinchbeck lived from 1670 until 1732, and his son continued the Reynolds bought the chalk drawing from his master, Thomas Hudson, production of Pinchbeck after Christopher’s death. Many Wedgewood at a studio sale in 1779. medallions are set in Pinchbeck, in addition to other metals. The From there the painting (and subsequent button) continue to extensive classical and mythology series of Wedgewood medallions evolve. It had a public showing in October 1786 with only four heads made in 1795 were set in Pinchbeck. A jeweler can help you th depicted. The painting “returned home” to Reynolds and a fifth head determine the correct identity of the metal holding your valuable 18 century buttons. was added. Thin layers of gold were also rolled onto metals to provide a gold When Frances’ mother died in surface. In later years, electroplating brass with gilt became a 1841, she left the picture to the common practice. Pinchbeck wears far better as it is a solid metal, National Gallery. It was while the gilt items wear down to the plain brass below. extensively copied, and records When first marketed, one at the National Gallery record appeal of Pinchbeck was that 314 full-size oil copies made a gentleman could substitute between 1846-1895. personal items of gold for the It is amusing that in the Big less costly Pinchbeck while Book of Buttons by Hughes and traveling to mitigate his losses Lester, the button is called “Four if he was robbed. (Using this Cherub Heads” but the button same logic, my button obviously has five heads. One collection provides me the assumes the image’s history same benefit!) continued to follow the button! Further reading: “Chats This button image can be found on Old Jewellery and Trinkets” as its original hallmarked silver, A Child’s Portrait in Different Views: by MacIver Percival. 1912. and in cheaper reproduction “Angel Heads” oil on canvas by Sir versions. Joshua Reynolds. English 1786-87. Zeus on a Wedgewood medallion set in Pinchbeck. 1795. FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 Page 13 Page 14 FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1

NBS SHOW BUTTONS FOR SALE Greek Mythology #16—EROS aka CUPID Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind Favor buttons from the 2016 NBS And therefore is winged Cupid painted blind. Convention are available for purchase. Nor hath love's mind of any judgment taste; Four porcelain sew-throughs of a miner, his Wings and no eyes figure unheedy haste. mule, an ore cart & the Colorado state And therefore is love said to be a child flower: a columbine. Because in choice he is so oft beguiled. From “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Also, two Denver Mint token buttons made by William Shakespeare. of bronze are available. Mint shield on one God of: Love, sexual desire, attraction & Mint building on the other. NBS medium. Home: MOUNT OLYMPUS $15/1 button Symbols: Bow & arrows, wings, candles, hearts, $25/2 buttons cherubs, kisses $50/4 buttons Parents: Ares and Aphrodite $75/6 buttons Consorts: Psyche Add $4 S&H if mailed. Contact Harriett Siblings: Harmonia, Anteros, Himeros, Phobos, Brittenham to purchase. [email protected] Adrestia and Deimos Cupid. Marble statue by Children: Hedone Bertel Thorvaldsen Roman Counterpart: Cupid

In the first myths, Eros was depicted as a beautiful young man full of sexual power. In later sources he is the chubby, bow-wielding instigator of mischief. In both versions he was depicted with wings. With his focus on pleasure, Eros was often depicted playing, chasing butterflies, riding animals, flirting with nymphs and women, or with his mother. He was shown with a helmet or carrying a buckler, when he is depicted as the god of love and war, i.e., “all’s fair in love and war.” When Eros was a child stealing honey, he was stung by a bee and ran to his mother to say it is unfair that such a small beast caused a painful wound. Aphrodite laughed and pointed out that he, too, was small but love’s sting caused a painful wound as well. Eros is sometimes depicted in his child form riding a dolphin, which were known for being friendly with mankind. Dolphins were symbols for affection and naturally associated with Eros. This can represent the soul’s journey. He also appears with dolphins in a playful mood, cavorting and laughing. (Paelemon, the child sea god, also appears on the back of dolphins as a plump, naked child. Paelemon would be considered a cherub when depicted this way, but not Cupid. Cupid can be identified by the presence of his bow, arrows or other identifying symbols accepted in our button world.) Cupid Riding on a Dolphin. by Erasmus Quellinus II. 1630. FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 Page 15 Page 16 FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1

Cupid Holding Cornucopiae. Red BBB 443-16. Cupid Particularly in ancient Roman art, cupids may stringing an carry or be surrounded by fruits, animals, or arrow into his attributes of the four seasons or Dionysus, bow. Pink symbolizing the earth's abundance satin glass (Metropolitan Museum of Art.) with gold Brass with a white metal twinkle border. luster DF. Original tint. Collection of Tom & Barbara Small. Barrans (T&BB) Collection of

CENTER LEFT: Cupid with Cornucopia. Joni Goldbarg. Painting in a bedroom. 62-79 AD. Pompeii, hose of Marcus Fronto.

CENTER RIGHT: Drawing on paper. Portici Museum, Naples.

BELOW LEFT: “Cupid in Danger” in two BELOW: “Smiling Cupid” and a sad one, too. versions, both large stamped brass buttons. Cupid Finds a Victim” with a TOP TWO BUTTONS: Stamped brass with On the left with a leaf border over a white lovely textured brass imitation double handkerchief border, one metal collet. The right button has a brass background and a well- with straight edges and nail heads, plus the screen back above shiny white metal. White preserved original tint finish. second with scalloped edges and screw heads. metal rim. T&BB. Large. T&BB. The large button also has engraved lines on the border. Large courtesy of Byson Buttons. BELOW RIGHT: “Cupid the Lion Tamer”. Stamped brass above a wood background set Medium courtesy of Gil Biggie. in brass. Dark original tint. Large. FAR LEFT: Smiling cupid over painted background. The image varies, as they often do. Large button with a lovely interwoven border.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Here you have a cupid that at first glance appears to Eros was the central focus of one myth, yet was the instigator of much be the same. mischief, influencing the lives of gods and mortals. Because he will BUT, notice appear often in this series of articles, we will not repeat his many stories that he is a SAD Cupid. here. We just suggest you be alert to the consequences of his involvement Perhaps he in the activities of both gods and mortals. has just been Eros made Medea fall in love with Jason, Aphrodite with Adonis, and stung by that Dionysus with . Eros messes with the lives of Apollo, Ganymedes, bee, and will Hymenaeus, and . And, he does not escape his own mischief! When seek comfort jealous Aphrodite sends her son, Eros, to exact revenge upon the beautiful from Psyche, the consequences are not what she had hoped. Aphrodite! Large. T&BB. FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 Page 17 Page 18 FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: “Cupid Triumphant.” Brass escutcheon over a suede leather button. Large. Byson Buttons.

Cupid with two arrows. Brass escutcheon on a horn button with a weave-texture surface. Large. Byson Buttons.

Cupid on a deer. Artid. Amino Resin. Medium. CLOCKWISE Cupid slays Jealousy (in the form of a dragon). FROM TOP LEFT: Textured and painted metal background behind Cupid Lighting his Torch. the stamped white metal image. White metal His quiver of arrows lies rim. Large. on the ground, near two Cupid with bow, arrow and quiver. Medium. kissing love birds. Stamped horn. Courtesy of Claudia Chalmers. 18th Century

Cupid Forging the Links of Matrimony, watched by a painting on ivory under lovebird. Stamped brass over wood backgrounds. glass. Large. Lovely soft lavender colors. T&BB. Of note are the different borders, both quite lovely. The button on the left has in inner twinkle border of Cupid Rides a Centaur. Painting on ivory white metal beneath the pierced brass. The outer under glass. Large 18th Century. Courtesy border is stamped and engraved. Byson Buttons. of Renee Comeau. The button on the right has a single border, and also features pierced brass that shows a white metal twinkle Cupid rowing a boat (note the strap to the beneath the diamond-shaped openings. Claudia Chalmers. Both quiver on his back). Marine scene. Stamped brass. Medium. buttons are large. The BBB notes that this button is also called “” who is Cupid with an arrow in his bow. Medium the Greek god black glass. Claudia Chalmers. of marriage. Jasper disc set in brass on a pearl button.

Spindle shaped cut steels form one inner

border. 18th Century. Medium. Journeay.

Cupid Sharpening his Arrows. Stamped and pierced brass above a steel background. Medium. Courtesy of Gil Biggie.

Cupid releasing birds from a cage. Small stamped brass with dark tint. Byson Buttons.

Cupid straddling a key and intent on a task. Stamped and dyed vegetable ivory. Medium. Courtesy of Byson Buttons.

FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 Page 19 Page 20 FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1

Cupid in a sabot (slipper) boat. Stamped Greek Mythology #17—PSYCHE & EROS brass. Medium. Collection of Barbara & Tom Barrans. Psyche is depicted always The red BBB identifies this button as a with butterfly wings, and was a cherub (BBB 441-3), but it is identified as mortal princess often Cupid in Smith & Kent’s The Complete compared to Aphrodite for her Button Book from 1949 (290-22). The breathtaking beauty. Behaving author and owner agree with Smith & Kent’s identification. Note the arrow mast, flaming as she often did, Aphrodite heart on the sail, and pictorial border of two became jealous and bid her quivers….that’s a lot of CUPID symbolism! son Eros to shoot Psyche with And it’s a marine scene to boot. his arrow to make her fall in

RIGHT: Cupid at Rest. Two versions are love with a vile person. Alas, shown to demonstrate the variations in tint Eros accidently pricks himself and border that you can find. The button can also with his arrow and instead falls be found in both white and yellow metals. The in love with Psyche. version at right is a large stamped brass button Images on our buttons with a copper tint and a darkly tinted background. depicting both Psyche and Eros Psyche Discovers Eros. Marble by Reinhold Large. Courtesy of Christy Mecey. Below it is a show him sometimes as a Begas, 1831-1911. Altes Museum, Berlin. stamped brass button, with a purple tint and white beautiful young man and metal rim. sometimes as the plump BOTTOM: Cupid under an Umbrella. Large and toddler cupid. small size buttons of thin, stamped celluloid Once Eros is pricked, love abounds, though not as Aphrodite had wished. ivoroid, with a dark pigment decorative finish To aid the young lovers, the west wind Zephyrus carries Psyche to Eros’ (DF). Set in metal. Cupid sits on a grape vine with palace, where Eros visits her at night and leaves leaves and grapes. He often is shown in the company of Dionysius (Bacchus) or his symbols. before dawn, forbidding her to look at him lest he have to leave her Note that while these look like the same image forever. Aphrodite persuades Psyche’s sisters to query her about her secret there is variation in detail. In the large button on husband’s true identity, the left, Cupid’s left foot wraps around his right suggesting he may be a leg. Both legs hang straight down in the small monster. and other large button. The author has a version One night Psyche lights a with larger, quite detailed leaves and Cupid has candle to gaze upon his face, his smiling mouth open. The small and large unfortunately awakening him ivoroid at left are courtesy of Claudia Chalmers. with drips of hot wax. Psyche Large on the right is courtesy of Barbara & flees in tears, knowing he must Tom Barrans. leave her. Her sisters, although they are both married, learning the true identity of her husband and hoping to replace her, jump off a rock to have Zephyrus carry them to Eros. Zephyrus carries them a short way and drops them to their deaths. The distraught Psyche is Aphrodite (Venus) Dances with her son Eros found by , and wanders the (Cupid)—note the bow in Cupid’s left hand. forests with him to the temple Very old jasperware button in metal. Large. of , beseeching the FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 Page 21 Page 22 FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 goddess for a favor to appease Unrelenting, the self-serving Aphrodite. Demeter will not interfere, Aphrodite continues to abuse dear and Psyche pleads Psyche, and sends her back to collect a next to Hera but with the same specific parcel from Persephone, outcome, being told she must make Queen of the Underworld. Psyche amends with Aphrodite on her own. despairs once again and climbs a tower Desperate with love and loss, to throw herself off. Psyche approaches Aphrodite, who The insightful tower speaks to her, commands Worry and Sadness to soothes her fears, and tells her how to whip her and tear her clothes, navigate through the underworld, bashing her head to the ground. advising Psyche on necessities for the Cruel Aphrodite gives Psyche the dangerous travel. impossible task of sorting a huge pile of mixed seeds before morning. Dear Psyche is told that she must take a Psyche’s challenge is met when an Eros Kissing Psyche. Sterling pathless route, never swerve, and also army of ants take pity on her and silver. Small. Studio button by not go empty handed. The tower tells help complete the task. Kevin Kinne. her to take two coins in her mouth and Aphrodite is, of course, furious honey cakes. She is also warned to and adds a second task, sending maintain complete silence as she Psyche next to cross a river and fetch passes a lame man with sticks on a mule, a dead man swimming the golden wool from sheep who belong boundary river, and several old weaving women. to the Sun . Psyche knows the Psyhe Revived by Cupid’s Kiss (1787 Off goes Psyche to overcome the latest test. She uses the two coins to task is impossible and plans to –1793) by Antonio Canova. pay Charon for a ferry trip and distracts Cerberus with the honey cakes. drown herself in the river. As she Reaching Persephone, she humbly asks for the object of her quest, moves to put her plan into action, an inspired reed tells her to take heart and Persephone graciously hands over the box, and Psyche returns from the gather the sheep’s wool caught on the briars. Once again Psyche underworld. For this task, Aphrodite has included a bit of predictable successfully completes the seemingly “insurance.” Psyche, once in the daylight and overcome by her curious impossible. nature, opens the box to see what is inside and falls into a deep sleep. Have you ever noticed that when Meanwhile Eros, escaping his mother’s house, good intentions prevail, success searches for Psyche, finds her, rouses her is celebrated by all? And when with a kiss, and takes her to Olympus bad intentions were present where he pleads with Zeus for help. from the outset, success is Zeus warns Aphrodite to leave Psyche met by outrage and further alone, and orders Hermes to convene evil? So, too, among the a council of the gods. Psyche is given Greek gods and goddesses! ambrosia, becomes a goddess, and Jealous Aphrodite dishes weds Eros. She soon gives birth to out more. Psyche is next Hedone, the goddess of pleasure. sent to fill a crystal flask with the black water of the rivers One has to wonder what life could and in the have been like for the Greek gods Underworld. Defenseless Psyche and mortals if only love and good is discouraged by foul air and intentions had ruled. Unfortunately, slithering dragons, until Zeus gallantly bliss doesn’t make for good tales, sends his eagle to battle the and good tales inspire artists, whose Venus & Cupid. Artid. Metalized dragons and retrieve the water for Eros Kissing Psyche, among the clouds. work in turn inspires the images we DF on an amino resin button. her. Zeus CAN be a good guy! Extra large, lovely stamped metal. cherish on our buttons! Medium. Courtesy of Gil Biggie.

FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 Page 23 Page 24 FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1

WRBA AWARDS LIST for 2017 WRBA AWARDS LIST for 2017 Tom Barrans, Awards Chair 11. Cls 1-0 through 15-5, 24 Any size. MEASLES! Buttons with dots on surface. No limit on realistics. Dots can be part of the DIVISION I button or on an item represented on the button. Vickie Roberts 1. Cls 6-0 + 11-0, 20 Large. Specialized to 10 black glass $5-3-2 assorted and 10 shell assorted. Label class number for the 12. Cls 1-0 through 15-5, Small. Nouns spelling out: SURE DO LOVE black glass, but need not mount in order. Please label back WESTERN REGIONAL BUTTON ASSOCIATION! Label noun and marks, OMEs, DF, and other things of interest. Ronnie Wexler have fun. Joy Journeay $5-3-2 $15-10-5 13. Cl 6-1, Small. Black glass specialized to dull and shiny finish on 2. Cl 7-0, Large. Clear and colored glass assorted. President's the same button. Joy Journeay $5-3-2 Award $25 -15 -10 14. Cls 6-3 + 6-5, Small. Specialized to black glass with goldstone, 3. Cl 10-5.6, Various. Steel cups. In memory of Kathy any amount. Joy Journeay $5-3-2 Figenshau. Harriett Brittenham $25 -15 -10 15. Cls 6-3.3 + 6-3.8 + 6-3.9 + 6-3.10 + 6-3.11, Small. Seven each 4. Cl 17-0, 35 Mixed. Animals specialized to black glass with of the following: foil embedded, moonglow, paperweight, tile lusters assorted. Santa Clara Valley Button Club $15-10-5 type plus 14 overlay. Joy Journeay $5-3-2 5. Cl 20-0, 24 M/L. Other Pictorials specialized to metal. Awards 16. Cl 6-4.2, Small. Black glass lusters assorted. Try for variety of Chair $8-5-2 colors and combinations, including washes. Check out the WRBA website for a worksheet on Class 6-4.2. Joy Journeay 6. Cl 20-1, Various. Specialized to architectural structures. Scenes are okay if structure is prominent. Washington State $5-3-2 Button Society $8-5-2 17. Cl 6-4.2.3, Small. Black glass with silver luster. Joy Journeay 7. Cls 24-5 + 24-7, 20 Any size. Specialized to ten 18th Century $5-3-2 metals assorted and ten 18th Century pearl/shell . Please label 18. Cl 6-6.4, Small. Black glass impressed surface design back marks, OMEs, DF, and other things of interest. Ronnie specialized to 10 triad patterns, 20 tetrad patterns, 8 radial Wexler $25-15-10 patterns of free choice plus one from each of the pictorial sections. $5-3-2 Joy Journeay DIVISION IV 19. Cl 6-6.7, Small. Black glass lacy/lacy-like surface designs. No 8. Cl 2-1, 6 Any size. Buckles specialized to oriental subjects. OME. Joy Journeay $5-3-2 Santa Clara Valley Button Club $15-10-5 20. Cl 6-6.7, Medium. Black glass lacy/lacy-like surface designs 9. Cl 6-1.2, Five sets of 2 plus 15 single studs. Studs with rigid specialized to silver luster. No credit for OME. Joy Journeay posts. Try for different materials and subject matter. Judy $5-3-2 Schwenk $8-5-2 21. Cl 6-6.8, Small. Black glass, openwork surface designs. Joy Journeay $5-3-2 DIVISION IX 22. Cl 7-0 Small. Clear and colored glass. Trisha Price $10-7-3 10. Cls 1-0 through 15-5, 15 Any size. Spell out BUTTONOPOLY 23. Cl 7-0, Small. Glass assorted specialized to all tints, shades and GAME. Identify noun representing each letter. Any number of studios but winner will have the least studios. Label each hues of the color blue. Joy Journeay $5-3-2 studio with the letter S. Vickie Roberts $5-3-2 24. Cl 10-13.5 25 any size. Twinkles, twinkles on the border are FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1 Page 25 Page 26 FEBRUARY 2017, Volume 15, Issue 1

acceptable. Trisha Price $10-7-3 BUTTON EVENTS CALENDAR 25. Cl 11-0, Small. Shell assorted specialized to sew-throughs. Look for OME, DF, pierced, different numbers of holes, ARIZONA STATE BUTTON SOCIETY ANNUAL SHOW mechanical make up, etc. Arizona State Button Society When: February 18-19, 2017 “BLUE HAWAII” $10-6-4 Where: Hilton Garden Inn 11460 W Hilton Way, Avondale AZ 85323 26. Cl 15-1, 25 Any size. Bone specialized to antler only; use as Reservations (623) 882-3351 many techniques as possible. Barb Johnson $10-7-3 For more info contact: Val Perry [email protected] or 27. Cl 16-4, Small. Materials summary. Joy Journeay $5-3-2 Roberta Schuler [email protected] 28. Cl 17-5.1, 25 Any size. Domestic cats. Emphasis on number of ************************************************ cats and activities. Humans allowed. Judy Schwenk $8-5-2 CALIFORNIA BUTTON BAZAAR, 29. Cl 17-5.5, 25 Any size. Elephants in a “natural state.” People sponsored by THE SACRAMENTO BUTTON CLUB may be present; no elephants wearing clothing or in cartoons. When: March 4, 2017 10am—5pm $2 donation Judy Schwenk $8-5-2 Where: La Sierra Community Center 5325 Engle Road, Carmichael CA 95608 30. Cls 18-11 + 20-17, 25 Any size. Pastimes/games/sports and related equipment. Try for balance between classes. Santa For more info contact: Clara Valley Button Club $15-10-5 Faye Wolfe 916 489-1785 or [email protected] ************************************************ 31. Cls 18-12 + 20-18, 25 Any size. Specialized to unlisted objects used for playing/having fun and people assorted COLORADO STATE BUTTON SOCIETY 49th ANNUAL SHOW engaged in play. No need to balance classes. Label game, When: April 7-9, 2017 Where: Double Tree by Hilton Denver hobby, pastime, sport, etc. Gil Biggie $10-6-4 3203 Quebec Street, Denver CO 80207 32. Cl 20-18, 25 Any size. Specialized to people assorted engaged Reservations (303) 321-3333 in a job or occupation. Label the work activity. Example: A For more info contact: Jennifer Hulac jockey on a horse is an occupation; a fox hunter is not. Gil [email protected] or www.coloradobuttons.com Biggie $10-6-4 ************************************************ 33. Cl 20-22.1.1, 25 Any size. Sailing ships. Sails and/or masts OREGON STATE BUTTON SOCIETY ANNUAL SHOW should be present. May have auxiliary power such as side When: May 3-6, 2017 wheels, etc. Div II allowed. Judy Schwenk $8-5-2 Where: Keizer Quality Suites 34. Cl 21-3, Large. Pictorial summary. Div II allowed. Joy Journeay 5188 Wittenberg Lane NE, Keizer Oregon 97303 $5-3-2 Reservations (503) 390-4733 35. Cl 21-5, Small. Pictorial summary. Div II allowed. Joy Journeay For more info contact: Jan Stutts [email protected] or www.oregonbuttonsociety.org $5-3-2 ************************************************ 36. Cl 21-5, Small. Pictorial summary specialized to metal buttons. NATIONAL BUTTON SOCIETY ANNUAL CONVENTION Div II allowed. Joy Journeay $5-3-2 When: August 7-12, 2017 “THE MAGIC OF BUTTONS” 37. Cl 25-9 plus Div II, Cls 1-1 + 2-0, Medium. Dogs, foxes and Where: Radisson Paper Valley Hotel rabbits on sporting, hunt club and uniform buttons. Both Appleton WI divisions must be represented. Judy Schwenk $8-5-2 For more info visit: www.nationalbuttonsociety.org