14L 1940s-1950s Two-Hole Grey Trochas Shell Buttons 3/8 Inches Set of 6

Set of six vintage grey Trochas shell two-hole sew-through buttons. These authentic mid-20th century shell buttons date to the 1940s–1950s, a period when Trochas shell was widely used before plastic buttons became dominant.

Size: diminutive
Quantity: 6
Measure approximately: 14L, 14 lignes, 8.6–8.8 mm 11/32 (close to 3/8").
Attachment: two-hole

Material: Trochas shell, a natural nacre material harvested from marine top shells found in tropical Indo-Pacific waters, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, and parts of the Indian Ocean. Genuine mother-of-pearl (MOP). From the sea snail Trochus Niloticus. Trochus produces a thick, strong, creamy nacre that's used for high-quality carved buttons.

Color: They display natural grey and pearly tones with subtle iridescence, giving them a refined, understated elegance that only real shell can offer. All natural.

Era: 1940s-1950s

Origin: Japan. In the 1920s Japan became a major processor, turning Australian/Pacific trochus into finished buttons exported worldwide. The 1950s saw the end of large demand due to the introduction of plastics.

Uses: The soft grey coloration makes these buttons especially suitable for neutral or formal garments where a quiet, natural sheen is desired. Commonly used for shirt collars, plackets, blouses, lingerie, children’s clothing, doll garments, or delicate sewing and restoration projects. Their small two-hole sew-through design keeps them lightweight and unobtrusive.

As a biodegradable, renewable material, Trochas shell is a sustainable alternative to modern plastics and remains far more attractive and enduring.