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Featured “Billy Buttons” Brasso advertising figure

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by David Askett, May 18, 2023.

  1. David Askett

    David Askett Well-Known Member

    I’d like to sympathetically restore this 18” tall chalkware figurine but, despite searching every way I can think of, I’ve had no luck finding a photo of another example of this character. This surprises me, as Brasso metal polish is so well known. Have any of you seen “Billy Buttons” before?

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  2. moreotherstuff

    moreotherstuff Izorizent

  3. David Askett

    David Askett Well-Known Member

    moreotherstuff likes this.
  4. Bronwen

    Bronwen Well-Known Member

    Think 'the boy in buttons'.

    Noun. boy in buttons (plural boys in buttons) (historical) A young male servant in livery; a page.

    Believe that's who the character 'Billy' in the Sherlock Holmes stories was. He was always being sent to the telegram office, etc. Bellhops are closely related.
     
  5. say_it_slowly

    say_it_slowly The worst prison is a closed heart

    What does is say on the back of the base?
     
    pearlsnblume likes this.
  6. David Askett

    David Askett Well-Known Member

    Petrucci Freres / Montreal

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  7. David Askett

    David Askett Well-Known Member

  8. Roaring20s

    Roaring20s Well-Known Member

  9. bosko69

    bosko69 Well-Known Member

    Wouldn't mind having that "WILL'S PIRATE SHAG" tobacco advert figure.Aaargh;)!
     
  10. Lucille.b

    Lucille.b Well-Known Member

    Super cool figure! Store display, do you think?

    There is a Wikipedia page on Brasso which gives some dates that might be of interest. No mention of this figure.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brasso
     
    Last edited: May 19, 2023
    Figtree3 and David Askett like this.
  11. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    Almost definitely a store display. Like a lot of the OGs in here, the mention of Brasso gives me flashbacks. (shudder)
     
    Figtree3 and David Askett like this.
  12. Bakersgma

    Bakersgma Well-Known Member

    Never wanted to hear that word again.
     
    David Askett likes this.
  13. David Askett

    David Askett Well-Known Member

    Yes, store point of sale display, for sure. And, if the Wikipedia history is correct about Brasso first being sold in 1920, it’s a very early one for this product, as the company that made this chalkware piece ceased to be in 1923.
     
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