Unusual Victorian Hair Mourning Buttons educational toys Long rectangular chips measure 2

Long rectangular chips measure 2 3/16" x 13/16"

The box measures 10" x 4 3/4" x 1 1/4"

produced by Ideal School Supply Co of Chicago as an educational toy

Definitely worthy of  framing and hanging

Substantial

Unusual Victorian Hair Mourning Buttons educational toys Long rectangular chips measure 2I've never seen the likes of these, which I believe are Victorian mourning buttons, made with blonde hair encased in finely wrapped and knotted blue cord and thread, silk I believe. One presumes these were made to be sewn to a garment perhaps like toggles on a shawl or coat but I'm not entirely sure. Whatever the case, quite unusual as far as I know, and feeling like literal capsules of another time (and specific person!), which could easily be strung