Button Help...

artyfacts · Nov 3, 2011

Dug this Jacob Reeds Sons button today. Any ideas as to what the front design represents? Arty

Iron Patch · Nov 3, 2011

Probably a livery button considering there's a mermaid at the top.

artyfacts · Nov 3, 2011

Thanks IP had no clue as to what the mermaid was about. Livery aye. Thanks

Bigcypresshunter · Nov 3, 2011

artyfacts said:
Thanks IP had no clue as to what the mermaid was about. Livery aye. Thanks

My guess would be fashion button but it could also be a uniform button from the Cape May Hotel. http://www.waterburybutton.com/cart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=20139

High Plains Digger · Nov 3, 2011

The Cape May Hotel really ties this button down. Any idea about how many people would have worn this button? I assume there wasn't a chain of "Cape May Deluxe 8" motels? If there was, they didn't keep the light on for you.

Bigcypresshunter · Nov 3, 2011

High Plains Digger said:
The Cape May Hotel really ties this button down. Any idea about how many people would have worn this button? I assume there wasn't a chain of "Cape May Deluxe 8" motels? If there was, they didn't keep the light on for you.

This could definitely use some more research. The location of the find may help narrow it down. Could it be the New Cape May Hotel on Jackson Street by the Bamboo Shack around the corner from the "The Bedbug Inn"? http://www.capemay.com/Editorial/march08/afroamericanhistory.html

artyfacts · Nov 4, 2011

Wow!!! Big C, do you pull rabbits out of hats also? The button was found in Cape May. The design is an exact match. The only difference is the back mark. IP had mentioned a connection with the mermaid on the button and livery. IP or anyone have any more info? Cape May Hotel livery button? Arty

Bigcypresshunter · Nov 4, 2011

artyfacts said:
Wow!!! Big C, do you pull rabbits out of hats also? The button was found in Cape May. The design is an exact match. The only difference is the back mark. IP had mentioned a connection with the mermaid on the button and livery. IP or anyone have any more info? Cape May Hotel livery button? Arty

Being that you found it in Cape May, NJ, and the button face is an exact match, I would have to assume there is a connection.

I am not at all familiar with the city/county of Cape May. Waterbury makes this button face today. It appears they obtain the rights from other companies to remanufacture vintage buttons. Its also possible Cape May Hotel also contracted with Waterbury. They have been in business since 1812. According to this link Jacob Reeds Sons made buttons in 1880. http://pw1.netcom.com/~jimyce/bm.html

IMO you have found an interesting hotel uniform button of historical significance to the area. I think research should be directed in the direction of finding how many hotels operated in the south NJ area under the name "Cape May Hotel" in the late 1800's. The local historical society may be of help.