Question for Mr. Ellis about what something is worth

[Papa Smurf]

I,d like to ask Mr. Ellis a question. I have a button/pin from 1930's. It came out of a carton of Picayune cigarettes in 1930's from factory #3, District of Louisiana, Phelps & Sons Mfg. Co. When they were trying to get more people to buy that brand of cigs.. The button is around 1'' in diameter. Betty is spread eagle in a field of daisies. The button is in its original wrapper it was in, in the carton. Thank you

[boopman]

Hi,
I saw your question under the "ask" category and answered it there, but in case you didn't see it, here it is again. I'd sure like to see this pin and the packaging!
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Hello Papa Smurf,
Well, this is indeed interesting. All the research I have done on these buttons has always come to the conclusion that they were novelty items created in the 1970s. There have been several varieties, always the same picture on the front, but with different paper inserts on the back. I have consulted with several collectors/experts who specialize in cigarette and advertising buttons, and they have always come to the same conclusion - 1970s novelty item.
But now you say yours has a plastic wrapper on it! I have never seen, nor has anyone ever described, having a wrapper on this item. I would certainly like to see the button with the wrapper. Some detailed pictures would be helpful - you can either post them here, or send them to me directly at boopman2@comcast.net.
As far as value, all these buttons typically have been in the $15 to $40 range. I'm eager to see your sample, though.
-Leonard

[Papa Smurf]

Hello Boopman,

Papa Smurf here. My wife made a mistake in writting about the button , it is not in its original wrapper it is put into a coin wrapper to keep the button/pin looking original. I do not have a scanner to scan the button, sorry.

[boopman]

Okay, that takes some mystery out of this . .. as I had described, these buttons were most likely made in the 1970s as a novelty item, and the motif fits with that era of peace and love . . look at Betty's hair and bandana.
What made it confusing to collectors is that someone took the paper backing from a valid tobacco ad button and placed it with the Betty button - same size, so not a problem. It's easy to do; just like people who make fake clocks and watches by replacing the watch face.
Hope that helps.
-Leonard

[Betty]

Hello Mr. Ellis, aka Boopman;

In my collection of bb I have a alarm clock that was given to me by a friend years ago. It is the old whind up with a key in the back. The picture within the clock has bb, the puppy and the clown and they move when the clock is ticking. My question is- Do I have something of value or is it just valueable to me?
Plus within my collection, I have a lapel pin of bb with the International Order of Lions Club emblem on her bottom. Could there be any value with that piece?
I hope to hear from you soon.
Always Booping,
Betty

[boopman]

Hello Betty,
The alarm clock is from the early 1980s, made for Betty's Store in San Francisco. With the original box, I have seen these priced from $20 to $50. They are not that common, but you can find one every couple weeks online.
As far as the Lion's Club pin, I have seen these from time-to-time and they were produced as a novelty for the club. They are not licensed, not very common, and usually are in the $25 range. As a Betty Boop or Lion's Club collectible, they are certainly unique and would add to any collection.
Enjoy them!
-Leonard