Unusual Victorian Hair Mourning Buttons educational toys produced by Ideal School Supply

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

and then adhered to the wooden base

with pin holes in corners as noted and some surface wear along the edges as evident and documented

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

Unusual Victorian Hair Mourning Buttons educational toys produced by Ideal School SupplyI'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