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Pair of Cuff Buttons

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Collection Type

  • Clothing and accessories

Date

1870-1880

GUSN

GUSN-100855

Description

Pair of large circular tortoiseshell cuff buttons with beveled edges and applied tortoiseshell intertwined initials "G H N," metal post and circular guard on reverse.These cuff buttons belonged to the donor, Grenville H. Norcross, youngest son of Lucy Anne (Lane) and Otis Norcross, Jr. Otis Norcross was the mayor of Boston from 1867 to 1868 and a successful pottery merchant. Grenville Norcross graduated from Harvard and practiced law in Boston.

Details

Descriptive Terms

fasteners
Notion
Fastener, Textile
Button
Button

Inscription

"G H N" (Applied)

Additional Identification Number

298

Maker

Unknown

Dimensions

1/2 (D), 1 5/16 (diameter) (inches)

Accession Number

1937.1371.1-.2

Reference Notes

For more information on tortoiseshell jewelry see Bury, Shirley, "Jewellery, 1789-1910," v. 1 (1991): 259-263; Dawes, Ginny Reddington & Corinne Davidov, "Victorian Jewelry: Unexplored Treasures," (1991): 132-138; Fales, Martha Gandy, "Jewelry in America, 1600-1900," (1995): 223-227; Gere, Charlotte, "American & European Jewelry, 1830-1914," (1975): 114-115. For more information on cuff links and studs see Fales, Martha Gandy, "Jewelry in America, 1600-1900," (1995):178-179; Hinks, Peter, "Victorian Jewelry," (1991).

Related Items

Title Mourning brooch Accession Number 1921.303
Title Gold watch, chain and key Accession Number 1937.297
Title Watch fob Accession Number 1937.757
Title Tortoiseshell lorgnette Accession Number 1937.738
Title Tortoiseshell watch chain with locket Accession Number 1937.739
Title Tortoiseshell watch chain with locket Accession Number 1937.740
Title Tortoiseshell cuff buttons Accession Number 1937.741 ab
Title Watch fob Accession Number 1937.743
Title Miniature pendant Accession Number 1937.745
Title Ivory brooch Accession Number 1937.779
Title Gold watch chain Accession Number 1940.17

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