Government, Politics, and Reform

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln are all represented in the Museum's collections—by a surveying compass, a lap desk, and a top hat, among other artifacts. But the roughly 100,000 objects in this collection reach beyond the possessions of statesmen to touch the broader political life of the nation—in election campaigns, the women's suffrage movement, labor activity, civil rights, and many other areas. Campaign objects make up much of the collection, including posters, novelties, ballots, voting machines, and many others. A second group includes general political history artifacts, such as first ladies' clothing and accessories, diplomatic materials, ceremonial objects, national symbols, and paintings and sculptures of political figures. The third main area focuses on artifacts related to political reform movements, from labor unions to antiwar groups.

This commemorative medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1863. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This commemorative medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1863. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and commemorative medals.
Obverse: Bust of Abraham facing right. The legend reads: SALVATOR PATRIAE.
Reverse: Rimmed with laurel branches, and a central legend that reads: IN MEMORY OF THE LIFE ACTS AND DEATH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN/ BORN FEBRUARY 12 1809 DIED APRIL 15 1865.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1204
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1204
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign medals.
Obverse: Bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right. legend reads: ABRAHAM LINCOLN/ IN GOD WE TRUST/ 25.
Reverse: Image of an eagle with shield, clutching arrows and an olive branch in its talons. The legend reads: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/ FOREVER INSEPERABLE 1864.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1109
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1109
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including campaign medals. The Republican Party depicted Lincoln as a rugged frontiersman, and used this motto to do so.
Obverse: Bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legend: HON. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, 1860.
Reverse: Two men splitting rails, log cabin in the background. The legend reads: THE RAIL SPLITTER OF THE WEST.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1141
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1141
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods.
Obverse: Labeled busts of Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson facing each other. Busts are surrounded by four flags, a shield on the bottom reads “War for the Union,” a eagle is perched at the top with a scroll that reads “FREEDOM TO ALL MEN.”
Reverse: REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES 1864/ FOR PRESIDENT/ ABRAHAM LINCOLN OF ILLINOIS/ FOR VICE PRESIDENT/ ANDREW JOHNSON OF TENNESSEE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
Johnson, Andrew
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1297
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1297
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign medals.
Obverse: Bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right. The legend reads: ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Reverse: Crossed rails in the center. The legend reads: THE PEOPLES CHOICE 1860/ LINCOLN & HAMLIN/ FREEDOM & PROTECTION.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
referenced
Hamlin, Hannibal
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1613
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1613
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign medals.
Obverse: Bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right. The legend reads: HON: ABRAM LINCOLN 1860.
Reverse: Legend around rim reads: LINCOLN & HAMLIN FREEDOM & PROTECTION. Center legend reads: THE MAN THAT CAN SPLIT RAILS OR GUIDE THE SHIP OF STATE.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
referenced
Hamlin, Hannibal
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1123
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1123
In 1901, just six months into his term as vice president, Theodore Roosevelt became president upon the assassination of President William McKinley. As the Republican candidate, Roosevelt ran for a full term in 1904 and chose Senator Charles W.
Description
In 1901, just six months into his term as vice president, Theodore Roosevelt became president upon the assassination of President William McKinley. As the Republican candidate, Roosevelt ran for a full term in 1904 and chose Senator Charles W. Fairbanks of Indiana as his running mate. Roosevelt’s victory over his Democratic challengers Alton Parker and Henry Davis was the first time someone who had ascended to the office upon the death of the president won a term in his own right. Socialist candidates Eugene V. Debs and Benjamin Hanford also ran in 1904, Debs’s second attempt to win the White House.
date made
1904
associated date
1865
associated person
Lincoln, Abraham
ID Number
PL.238841.13
catalog number
238841.13
accession number
238841
This gold pin with an image of Abraham Lincoln was among Mary Lincoln’s possessions when she died.Mary Lincoln never overcame the tragedies she endured. She came out of mourning on only one occasion, at the request of her son Tad for one of his birthdays.
Description
This gold pin with an image of Abraham Lincoln was among Mary Lincoln’s possessions when she died.
Mary Lincoln never overcame the tragedies she endured. She came out of mourning on only one occasion, at the request of her son Tad for one of his birthdays. The two were almost inseparable until his death, possibly from tuberculosis, in 1871 at age 18. In 1882, at age 63, Mary died in Springfield, Illinois, at the home of her sister.
Gift of Lincoln Isham, great-grandson of Abraham Lincoln, 1958
Location
Currently not on view
associated person
Lincoln, Mary Todd
depicted (sitter)
Lincoln, Abraham
ID Number
PL.219098.06
catalog number
219098.06
accession number
219098
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1860
associated person
Lincoln, Abraham
associated institution
Currier & Ives
depicted
Buchanan, James
Breckinridge, John C.
ID Number
PL.227739.1860.A15
catalog number
227739.1860.A15
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign badges. There is a hole in the top of the frame so the badge could be worn.
Obverse: Labeled photograph of Abraham Lincoln. The legend reads: UNION OF THE STATES 1860.
Reverse: Labeled photograph of Hannibal Hamlin. The legend reads: THE CONSTITUTION 1860.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
Hamlin, Hannibal
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1113
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1113
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1865. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1865. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including medals.
Obverse: Bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legend: ABRAHAM LINCOLN 16 PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES/ ASSASSINATED BY THE PLOTTERS OF TREASON APR. 14 1865.
Reverse: Image of an obelisk with 36 stars emanating from it. Legend: MARTIR FOR LIBERTY. The obelisk’s base reads: A. LINCOLN APR 15 1865. Below are the words: Lewis Joy New York.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1865
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1203
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1203
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign badges.
Obverse: Tintype photograph of Abraham Lincoln in metal frame. There is a legend around the rim that reads: ABRAHAM LINCOLN 1860.
Reverse: Tintype photograph of Hannibal Hamlin in metal frame. There is a legend around the rim that reads: HANNIBAL HAMLIN 1860.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
Hamlin, Hannibal
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1295
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1295
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer, and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer, and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign badges.
Obverse: Profile image of Abraham Lincoln facing right. Legend reads: HON. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, 1860.
Reverse: Depiction of two men splitting logs with a log cabin in the background. Legend reads: THE RAIL SPLITTER OF THE WEST.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1074
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1074
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign badges. There is a hole at the top of the frame to allow for the badge to be strung and worn.
Obverse: Tintype photograph of Abraham Lincoln set into a brass oval frame. The photo is labeled: ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1182
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1182
Lincoln’s English gold watch was purchased in the 1850s from George Chatterton, a Springfield, Illinois, jeweler.
Description
Lincoln’s English gold watch was purchased in the 1850s from George Chatterton, a Springfield, Illinois, jeweler. Lincoln was not considered to be outwardly vain, but the fine gold watch was a conspicuous symbol of his success as a lawyer.
The watch movement and case, as was often typical of the time, were produced separately. The movement was made in Liverpool, where a large watch industry manufactured watches of all grades. An unidentified American shop made the case. The Lincoln watch has one of the best grade movements made in England and can, if in good order, keep time to within a few seconds a day. The 18K case is of the best quality made in the US.
A Hidden Message
Just as news reached Washington that Confederate forces had fired on Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, watchmaker Jonathan Dillon was repairing Abraham Lincoln's timepiece. Caught up in the moment, Dillon unscrewed the dial and engraved: "April 13, 1861 Fort Sumpter was attacked by the rebels on the above date J Dillon April 13, 1861 Washington" and "thank God we have a government Jonth Dillon."
In 1864 a second watchmaker, L. E. Gross, signed his name. Also, at some point someone etched "Jeff Davis" inside the watch, either as a joke or a statement of support for the Confederacy.
Lincoln never knew about the messages he carried in his watch. The inscription remained hidden behind the dial for over a century. After hearing from Jonathan Dillon's great-great-grandson, the Museum removed the dial on March 10, 2009, to reveal the watchmakers' declarations.
Gift of Lincoln Isham, great-grandson of Abraham Lincoln, 1958
Location
Currently not on view
associated person
Lincoln, Abraham
ID Number
PL.219098.01
catalog number
219098.01
accession number
219098
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign badges.
This badge features a photograph of Abraham Lincoln in a brass oval frame. The badge was likely attached to a pin so it could be worn.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1068
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1068
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign badges.
Obverse: Tintype photograph of Abraham Lincoln, labeled “Lincoln.” The tintype is set into a red, white and blue fabric button.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1256
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1256
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign badges.
Obverse: Tintype photograph of Abraham Lincoln, labeled: A. LINCOLN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1171
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1171
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign badges.
Obverse: Tintype photograph of Abraham Lincoln set into a circular bronze frame, the image is labeled “A. LINCOLN.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1114
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1114
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1864. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign badges.
Obverse: Tintype photograph of Abraham Lincoln, labeled “A. LINCOLN.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1175
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1175
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1872. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1872. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign medals.
Obverse: Bust of Abraham Lincoln facing right. The legend reads: ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 1860. \
Reverse: The legend reads: FREEDOM NATIONAL SLAVERY SECTIONAL.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1872
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1209
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1209
This campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign medals.
Obverse: Bust of Abraham Lincoln, facing right. The legend reads: ABRAHAM LINCOLN 1860.
Reverse: Legend reads: OUR POLICY IS EXPRESSLY THE POLICY OF THE MEN WHO MADE THE UNION NO MORE, NO LESS. Below, in smaller letters the words: JENSCH & MEYER, CHICAGO.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1205
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1205
This campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1860. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including campaign medals.
Obverse: Bust of Abraham Lincoln facing left. The legend reads: ABRAHAM LINCOLN REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT 1860.
Reverse: Legend: THE GREAT RAILSPLITTER OF THE WEST MUST & SHALL BE OUR NEXT PRESIDENT. The legend is surrounded by a rail fence with animals sitting on the rails.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1211
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1211
This commemorative medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut in 1865.The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This commemorative medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut in 1865.The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign medals.
Obverse: Raised bust of Abraham Lincoln, facing right. The legend reads: SALVATOR PATRIAE.
Reverse: There is a wreath around the rim. Central legend reads: IN MEMORY OF THE LIFE ACTS AND DEATH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN/ BORN FEBRUARY 12 1809/ DIED APRIL 16 1865.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1865
depicted
Lincoln, Abraham
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1569
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1569

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