Did you know that political buttons were around even in George Washington's day? It's true, but they weren't exactly like the buttons we know today. Instead of the metal pins, campaign buttons were real buttons. They were sewn onto garments and had slogans and other intricate details on them. The one seen here in
figure A was for the 1789 inauguration of George Washington. It states "Long Live the President" and has 13 chain links on it to symbolize the 13 states. This single button is valued at more than $800.
Around 1820 campaign ribbons were used. It was an easier way to display who you supported. Most campaign ribbons are valued between $85 and $300, depending on their condition, pictures of the president and the color and graphics of the ribbon (
figure B).
Jewelry-like pins were introduced in 1860. Most of them had cardboard pictures on them, and the makers of the pins started using gimmicky slogans to tempt voters. These pins are valued between $100 and $500 (
figure C).
In 1896, the standard circular metal pins were born. This is also about the time when collecting pins became a craze. One of the most valuable pins to a collector is this "Taft-Sherman Elephant Ears" pin (
figure D). Because of the graphics and rarity, this pin is worth between $6,000 and $8,000.
Good news for a new collector: today's pins can usually be bought for under $20.
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Collector: Paul Bengston
Location: Private Residence
Details: John F. Kennedy Button; Theodore Roosevelt for Governor; Roosevelt for President; McGovern button; Humphrey for President; George Washington's Inauguration button valued at $800-$2000; Harrison chair pin; Teddy Roosevelt pins $85 to $1600; Taft & Sherman Elephant Ears pin, - $8000; "I Like Ike" pins; Nixon pin; campaign ribbons valued at $85 to $300; General U.S. Grant ribbon; "Grover Cleveland for President" pin; flag broach pin; paper items including Kennedy Dallas luncheon ticket; ballot from Civil War era valued at $200; signed letter from Jefferson valued up to $12,000
Resources Encyclopedia of Political Buttons: United States 1896-1972
by Theodore L. Hake (ISBN: 0918708079)
Click
here to order this title.
Amazon.com
Website:
www.amazon.com
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