|
Sale 9
|
|
press UP arrow key to increase the zoom ratio.
press DOWN arrow key to decrease the zoom ratio.
press RIGHT arrow key to increase the zoom window size.
press LEFT arrow key to decrease the zoom window size.
|
|
Lot 1060
1892 Republican Campaign Attire. The 1892 Election, pitting Benjamin Harrison against Grover Cleveland, was notable for several reasons: the two candidates had both been president, neither of the two main party candidates campaigned very vigorously, and Cleveland's victory returned a defeated president to the White House for a second term -- an historic event never repeated. Harrison chose to limit his election activity when it became evident Mrs. Harrison's health was in serious decline (she was in the end stages of tuberculosis) and, out of respect, Cleveland refused to actively campaign. The limited personal appearances and negligible presence of both candidates in the field restrained traditional demonstrations of party support, but surely in the hearts of the faithful the partisan fire never dimmed and a costume like the one offered here would have been worn proudly.
This exceedingly rare political costume worn by a Republican campaigner during the 1892 Presidential Election Campaign is made up of the following items: 1. Silk red and white drawstring pants, showing wear and some silk separation. 2. Black silk tuxedo jacket patterned with red, white and blue top hats, shows wear at seams and extensive silk separation at collar, cuffs and outer arms. 3. Over the shoulder sash has a faded blue velvet decoration field with red and white striped velvet back and tail. Six of the ornaments on the decoration field have lost their colored accents, but all are present. 4. Blue and white woven neck piece with center red, white and blue rosette. Some fading, central star on medallion missing metal accent. 5. Felt top hat decorated with a stars and stripes hat band. Inside the top hat is a paper insert which reads "The G.O.P. Campaign Hat," "Campaign 1892" and printed portraits of Benjamin Harrison and Whitelaw Reid loom over their slogan "Protect Home Industry." Minor paper loss in unprinted section of the insert and the band is somewhat faded. This elaborate and painstakingly constructed outfit would benefit from professional conservation but remains a remarkable piece of Americana.
Discovered in an attic, this fantastic piece of history is a museum-worthy artifact of a type seldom seen at auction and offers a unique opportunity for the collector of presidential or election memorabilia.
Estimated Value $5,000 - 10,000.
|
| |
| Realized $3,450 |
|
