Fish-eye Buttons

These are called “fish-eye” sew-through buttons. I don’t think they look like fish eyes; perhaps more like cats eyes. That is, apparently, an alternate name for them.

This style was already so established in the mid 19th century that it needed no explanation, often referring to pearl shirt or blouse buttons.

The Argus (Melbourne), 21 September 1869 page 2.

The Sun (Sydney), 29th September 1912 page 20.

The Herald (Melbourne), 2nd October 1915 page 10.

The Advertiser (Adelaide), 8th November 1944 page 3.