This post comes from our Facebook page. NJSBS member Jade Papa worked with a collection at the University of North Carolina and asked about his button, yellow metal with a rooster and the words “I Crow Over All.” It’s on a men’s duster
First Answer: Pam Hudock VasilowIt’s a work clothes or “overalls” button. Even though it was found on a duster, it may have originally been from other work clothes. A “duster” was something worn to keep the dust off your good clothes, depending on your job. They were also very popular as extra long overcoats for people driving early automobiles. Very early autos were open air vehicles. The long duster covered up the clothing of both men and women, keeping their regular clothing clean. Such an outfit was usually worn with goggles, for keeping the dust out of one’s eyes. (When you find huge celluloid buttons, they are often from stylish overcoats worn while traveling in those early autos.) This button, however, is definitely from work clothes.
Chris Parham“I crow for all” quote from sailor powder monkey verse.
Lou YeargainWobble shank overall button. NBS has the book for sale about these special buttons.
Vicky MayhallRobert C. Wilkins Limited of Montreal, Canada made Rooster brand. The company was established in 1890. They made all kinds of work clothing so the buttons very well could be original on that linen duster. Very nice!
New Jersey State Button Society 