Antique Handy Button Machine - Sold!

Another great placement happened today. The Handy Button Machine stayed in Livingston after all. It found a new home at Guthrie Lane Clothing. http://www.guthrielane.com , thanks to Angie Devine. I can't wait to see what she does with this fantastic find.

Her clothes are the finest!

Antique Handy Button Machine, One Step Closer!

There's something about old buttons... 

They are pretty! The button machine in my living room made all of these. 

I've been working on this project for weeks now in my spare time.

Cleaning and sorting... I'm the first to admit, the job is not perfect, 

but its in a LOT better shape than when I found it.

I took a lot of pictures tonight. There is a lot to this inventory to look at.

If you are looking for a handy Button Machine, you should call me at
 406-224-1559. I will be putting this on eBay or Craigslist soon if I can't find a
buyer through my blog.

There are a lot of dies and the machine too. I will be adding photos of them tomorrow.
Everything is included, including all of the cool cigar boxes.

Table full the first time...

And another table full...

This is the total of the button blanks ( backs, fronts and pieces) all boxed up.

Thats a lot of buttons.

The cigar Boxes alone can sell for $15 each on eBay. I am estimating there are 45 of them.
thats $675 in boxes in a perfect world...

Here are the parts to make buckles. I have not attempted one of those yet.

And here are the cutters for the fabric. 

The old display boards...

button examples

belt buckle examples

I'll be back at it in the morning.

See you then.

Driving the Dump Truck - Homestead Cabin at Old Chico

Sarah sent me this photo today and it cracked me up. It was fun taking it for a spin around the cabin. I think Gus was jealous I got to drive it.

Antique Button Machines - The Handy Junior and Floor Model with Dies - Be sure to read this all the way to the end!

What are the chances I would find not one, but TWO Antique button machines in our small Montana town? I've been buying and selling antiques for years, and I have never come across one of these until this fall. Of course, my father knew immediately what they were and knew they were a terrific find. He is the greatest.

The first one sold one eBay. It was a fantastic collection. Here are pictures of just a few things I sold with the machine.

The lady that bought it was thrilled! She said: "I Love Love Love this machine!! It is far better than I expected!! Awesome eBayer!!"

This next button machine is even better... I am getting it ready - cleaning it up and making an inventory of what is in ALL OF THESE BOXES! Its amazing really.

I have just begun the cleaning so this is the before pictures. I have not moved the machine into the house. I'll add a photo of that when I do.

You would get a better price on this if I didn't have to sell it on eBay. Contact me if you are interested. 406-224-1559

The One Room Schoolhouse at Old Chico, Montana

I had a great time spending the day at Sarah Muller's property last week. Sarah lives in the most lovely cabin located in Old Chico, Montana. Old Chico is considered a ghost town by some, although there are a certainly people still living in and around the area. Along with her cabin, she has two vacation cabins on her property, an Airstream and a sheep wagon. Her next project is renovating the old schoolhouse and its outbuildings.

Take a break and look at the property here: http://www.homesteadcabin.com. The website is worth the look and if you are looking for a Montana get-a-way, it is certainly worth a stay.

Wednesday I got to go through tons of old papers, books, flashcards, posters and odds and ends in the building. It was full of insects, mice droppings and dust, but I think I got it all cleaned and organized so Sarah could make sense of it.

Next week I'm going to go back and help her start the remodel. How fun! I'll keep you posted as it progresses.


Here is the outside:

Here is the inside:

And here is a silly picture of me at work:

And here is a nice picture of her sheep wagon:

Check out her website for more information.