Other articles by Danielle Arnet:

: Autographed baseball glove isn't neat : N.J. wares find wider audience online : 'Goering' dagger calls for real proof Rarely seen items not always rare: Decorative platter could fetch $225 : Old jukeboxes can play a pricey tune : Bronze bust was common in Europe : No way cane was a gift from Lincoln : Golf-ball box memorable but worthless : Track down value without appraiser

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Q I inherited a button collection from my mother and am in a spin about how to have it organized and appraised. I belong to the National Button Society, so I know that some are valuable, some not as much. I want to do justice to this collection.

— Jean, Tucson

Q I have a large button collection to sell. There are many types included. Hoping you know of a nearby auction I can put them in.

— Joyce, Holden, Maine

A Having a mass of material fall into one's lap can be overwhelming. So much so that the obvious can be overlooked.

As a member of the National Button Society, the first reader should consider the society a prime resource. Its Web site, www.nationalbuttonsociety.org, is a gold mine of information and useful links for all button fans.

Smart collectors know that collector groups and clubs are an outstanding resource when it comes to accurate info. No one knows more about a category than a collector who pours discretionary income into amassing art glass or buttons or left-handed wrenches — you name it. Dealers tend to have a bias, and books often don't cover all the angles.

Avid collectors are generally joiners, great about sharing what they know. Many collector-group members have forged lifetime friendships, started over love for a common object.

But back to the buttons. If I had the collections, I'd use the Web site to contact society officers. Ask if a qualified member can appraise and organize. Find out about specialty button auctions.

Note that almost every state has a society chapter: Links to local groups are on the Web site. Chapters hold meetings and shows, and are another outstanding resource.

I know of only one auction house that specializes in buttons and button collections. But I always advise would-be sellers to consider all alternatives. The object is to sell where results are highest.

Remember that these small pieces of art are collected by category. When sold, many sell by category. In that manner, military buttons may end up in a gun auction, fine Deco designer buttons in a couture auction, and so on.

A significant general collection may interest a large regional auction house. A small nearby auction may or may not yield the best results. Large regional houses such as Leslie Hindman, James D. Julia, Fontaine's and Eldred, to name a few, are doing well in the current economy. Approach several for opinions/estimates.

Q This star belongs to my 82-year-old mother, who remembers it in her grandmother's house from when she was a child. It is in perfect condition. Any info?

— Terry, Cobbs Creek, Va.

A Seen in a photo, a wall-hanging five-pointed star decorated with glued seashells has a central domed bubble of glass that covers a color illustration of a massive building. More seashells decorate the inside bottom of the glass.

The piece has a souvenir look about it from the get-go, starting with "prettifying" a landmark building. World's Fair fans will recognize it as the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building from the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. Also known as the Chicago World's Fair and the Chicago Columbian Exposition, the event celebrated the 400th anniversary of Columbus' arrival. More than 27 million attended, an astounding number for that time.

All who attended probably bought a souvenir, which explains how the shell star came to be in Grandma's house and why many mementoes from the event still exist.