Here are some antique hard rubber "Goodyear" clothing buttons. Most were made by the Novelty Rubber Co. (N.R. Co.). These have come by the name "Goodyear buttons" because during the life of the patent Charles Goodyear held (rubber hardening process), all buttons made of hard rubber had to carry evidence of his patent. Many carry just the word Goodyear's and "P=T", an abbreviation for Patent and the year 1851. There are rare back marks and errors which are highly sought by collectors of these rather utilitarian and plain looking buttons. Thanks to: Dick Clark, Jim Hall, Karen Beuning and Lori Plichta for these great images. Keep in mind, hard rubber buttons, with the exception of diminutive sizes, are always back marked but not all will carry the Goodyear patent information, those being made after the patent expired. Some dyed/pressed horn buttons are also back marked, if you learn which company names will be on the back of hard rubber buttons (always US made, never French or British as most horn buttons) you should have no trouble identifying the material properly. A hot tool test will reveal a fairly strong rubber smell. Colors vary from black to brownish and there are rare true brown and tan colors. Some hard rubber buttons turn to a brownish color over time and should not be confused for the buttons that were brown from the start. If you'd like to reach me for questions or comments, just click here to e-mail me, Carol: carolc@vintagebuttons.net

A whistle is a button with 2 holes on the back and one on the face.