5/8″ Domed Bone Button Molds

Bone button molds are slightly domed on one side & flat on the other as were common in the mid to late 18th century. Button molds made of bone like this are found abundantly at 18th century cites across the United States, Canada & Europe. Many people feel these were the most common type of button found on civilian clothing throughout the 18th century. Fabric covered buttons may be made of either wood or bone but if the garment will be washed bone may hold up better. It is easiest to make “death head” buttons using wood button molds since the rough texture of the wood help hold the threads in place. Directions to make “death head” buttons are in “Death Head” Buttons Their Use and Construction. When we make death head buttons we use silk quilter’s thread. The Compendium of The Packet has directions for making fabric covered buttons. For example in New Jersey in 1780, there was “Stolen from a House – one light coloured watch-coat, buttons covered with the same coloured cloth”.