11L 1930s-1950s Trochus Shell Two-Hole Buttons 1/4 Inches Set of 7

Set of seven vintage Mother of Pearl shell buttons. Circa 1930s to 1950s vintage sewing supply. Matching white iridescent Trochus shell, two-hole sew through buttons. Recessed fish eye at the center, with lovely carved rope accents on the rim.

Size: diminutive
Quantity: 7
Measure approximately: 11L, 11 lignes, 6.9 mm., or 17/64" (close to 1/4")
Attachment: two-hole

Material: Trochus shell. 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: A creamy pale white color, subtle iridescence, and a smooth, shiny nacre appearance. Not dyed, all natural.

Origin: Japan. In 1920s Japan became a major processor, turning Australian/Pacific trochus into finished buttons exported worldwide. The 1920s–1970s was the height of detailed carved MOP Trochus buttons made for export.

Uses: The buttons feature a traditional twisted or corded rope rim, a decorative style commonly used on small shirt, blouse, lingerie, and children’s wear.

Condition: Excellent matching condition overall: clean, with consistent size and color variation typical of natural shell material. A sweet, hard-to-find lot of true antique/vintage MOP buttons from the era before plastics took over.