I'm not certain what the button was made from, but it was not a cowrie.  It
shows a nacreous (pearly) layer showing through in several places, and
cowries do not have pearly layers. My first guess would be a turban shell
(Turbo), possibly the South African Turbo sarmaticus.

Paul M.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry Watrous" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, August 18, 2002 2:52 PM
Subject: Shell Button Help


> Any shell button experts want to take a stab at this one?
>
> This request is from a St. Louis area resident who is apparently working
on
> a shell button classification.
>
> 'As a member of the National Button Society, I have been asked to revise a
> classification booklet of shell buttons. I have solicited buttons to
> photograph for the booklet and received one this morning that I need help
> identifying. A year ago, we took our daughter to the St. Louis Shell Show
so
> I immediately, today, looked up your website. My first guess on the button
> is a cowrie but with the polished spots it is hard to tell. The shell is
two
> inches long and is set in a metal mounting with a button shank. I'm
assuming
> the bottom of the shell was sawed flat before mounting. Thank you so
much. -
> Shirley Case [log in to unmask]
>
> Shirley's photo of the button is at
> http://www.lwatrous.com/unknown/button.htm
>
> Copy replies to Shirley's email address.
>
> Thanks,
> Larry Watrous
> St. Louis, MO