American made Bone buttons had a multitude of utilitarian uses during the 19th century. Before the 1850's many were hand drilled and by the time of the Civil War these were formed by heat/steam to give them their distinct shape.
PENNSYLVANIA WAS THE LARGEST PRODUCER OF BONE BUTTONS IN THE MID 19th CENTURY.
BONE BUTTONS WERE THE FIRST TO BE EXPORTED FROM THE U.S. INTERNATIONALLY IN 1860