Government, Politics, and Reform

March on Washington Handbill

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.

Statuette, NRA Blue Eagle

The Consumers’ Advisory Board of the National Recovery Administration (NRA) mobilized consumers to support better working conditions for those who made and sold goods.
Description
The Consumers’ Advisory Board of the National Recovery Administration (NRA) mobilized consumers to support better working conditions for those who made and sold goods. The NRA’s Blue Eagle campaign identified businesses that complied with NRA standards and appealed to consumers to buy Blue Eagle products as their patriotic duty.
ID Number
PL.323538.01
accession number
323538
catalog number
323538.01

Pitcher, "Captn Nathl Gunnison"

This large creamware pitcher is decorated a polychromed transfer print of an American sailing ship. On the reverse is a print of a monument commemorating Washington’s death surrounded by a chain of states which omits Vermont and Rhode Island, but includes Kentucky.
Description
This large creamware pitcher is decorated a polychromed transfer print of an American sailing ship. On the reverse is a print of a monument commemorating Washington’s death surrounded by a chain of states which omits Vermont and Rhode Island, but includes Kentucky. The monument is an obelisk decorated with the All Seeing Eye and the phrase “First in war, first in peace, first in fame, first in virtue.” Various figures are shown mourning at the monument. Under the spout is the statement, “A present to Capt.n Nath.l Gunnison.” Under the handle are two printed flowers and black ink accents the handle, spout, lip, and base of this jug. Maritime designs are especially common on English-made transfer printed creamware meant for the American market. Stock prints of ships, like the one on this example, were repeatedly used by English ceramics printers, and given as gifts to Captains of merchant ships like Nathaniel Gunnison. Aside from generic maritime themes, George Washington is the most common figure depicted on English creamware pitchers of this period. His death in 1799 led to an outpouring of commemorative products celebrating his life and mourning his death. Robert H. McCauley purchased this jug from Joseph Kindig, Jr. of York, PA on August 5, 1938 for $100.00 as part of the William Randolph Hearst Collection.
This pitcher is part of the McCauley collection of American themed transfer print pottery. There is no mark on the pitcher to tell us who made it, but it is characteristic of wares made in large volume for the American market in both Staffordshire and Liverpool between 1790 and 1820. Pitchers of this shape, with a cream colored glaze over a pale earthenware clay, known as Liverpool type, were the most common vessels to feature transfer prints with subjects commemorating events and significant figures in the early decades of United States’ history. Notwithstanding the tense relationship between Britain and America, Liverpool and Staffordshire printers and potters seized the commercial opportunity offered them in the production of transfer printed earthenwares celebrating the heroes, the military victories, and the virtues of the young republic, and frequently all of these things at once.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
CE.63.120
catalog number
63.120
accession number
248881
collector/donor number
319

Plymouth Rock Postcard, about 1905

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1905
ID Number
2013.3017.01
nonaccession number
2013.3017
catalog number
2013.3017.01

Pitcher, "The President Commodore Berry"

This transfer printed creamware pitcher was made by Herculaneum Pottery in Liverpool, England around 1800. The pitcher features transfer print decorations with two common themes. On the front is a polychromed transfer-print of an American sailing ship.
Description
This transfer printed creamware pitcher was made by Herculaneum Pottery in Liverpool, England around 1800. The pitcher features transfer print decorations with two common themes. On the front is a polychromed transfer-print of an American sailing ship. It features an American flag with its stars arranged in a circular pattern and is titled “The President, Commodore Berry.” On the reverse is a transfer-print of an obelisk capped with an urn commemorating the life of George Washington. Located at the center of the obelisk is a profile image of Washington. The General is wearing his military uniform and is faced to his right. Above him is a wreath and below him on the obelisk are his birth and death dates. His birthdate is listed as “Feb.y 11 1732” following the Old Style calendar. Also on the obelisk are a shield with stars and stripes and a sword crossed with a palmetto branch. At the base of the monument are a female figure weeping and an eagle with its head down and wings extended. Above and below the transfer print are banners proclaiming, “WASHINGTON IN GLORY / AMERICA IN TEARS.” Under the spout, within a medallion, is the name “R. Moncreafe.” Maritime designs are especially common on English-made transfer printed creamware meant for the American market. Stock prints of ships, like the one on this example, were repeatedly used by English ceramics printers. George Washington is the most common figure depicted on English creamware pitchers of this period. His death in 1799 led to an outpouring of commemorative products celebrating his life and mourning his death. This jug contains a possible misspelling of “Commodore Berry,” as it could refer to John Barry or Oliver Hazard Perry, both officers in the early US Navy. Neither of them commanded the ship “The President,” which was indeed a real ship. Robert H. McCauley purchased it from Parke Bernet Galleries of New York, NY on March 31, 1944 for $60.00.
This pitcher is part of the McCauley collection of American-themed transfer-print pottery designs dating to the early 19th century. The creamware pitchers were imported from Staffordshire County, England when trade boomed between the newly independent United States and the British merchants of Liverpool after the War of 1812. Transfer printing involved placing a freshly inked print onto pottery, transferring the print’s design to the pottery which adhered to the ceramic when fired.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Herculaneum Pottery
ID Number
CE.63.123
catalog number
63.123
accession number
248619
collector/donor number
44-345

Bowl

This creamware bowl is decorated with a number of transfer prints. The central inside this bowl is a polychromed print of an American sailing ship with the name “Zebedee Cook” below.
Description
This creamware bowl is decorated with a number of transfer prints. The central inside this bowl is a polychromed print of an American sailing ship with the name “Zebedee Cook” below. Zebedee Cook was born in 1760 and lived as a prominent citizen in Newburyport, Massachusetts for much of his life. He was an underwriter for insuring merchandise and ships at sea. The interior edge of the bowl is ringed by six images of naval and military instruments. On the outside of the bowl are four prints. One print features a portrait of John Adams “President of the United States” flanked the allegorical figures of Plenty and Justice. Another print depicts George Washington stepping on a lion, symbolizing the defeat of Great Britain during the American Revolution. Surrounding this image are the words “By virtue and valour, we have freed our country, extended our commerce, and laid the foundations of a great empire.” In the background are a few Continental soldiers and a ship flying an American flag. The other two prints are concerned with mythological scenes featuring mermaids and the god Neptune. Robert H. McCauley purchased the bowl from Parke Burnet Galleries in New York, NY on March 31, 1944 for $90.00. This bowl was formerly part of the George Horace Lorimer collection. Lorimer was an editor of The Saturday Evening Post from 1899 to 1936.
This bowl is part of the McCauley collection of American themed transfer print pottery. There is no mark on the bowl to tell us who made it, but it is characteristic of wares made in large volume for the American market in both Staffordshire and Liverpool between 1790 and 1820. Ceramics of this style, with a cream colored glaze over a pale earthenware clay, known as Liverpool type commonly featured transfer prints with subjects commemorating events and significant figures in the early decades of United States’ history. Notwithstanding the tense relationship between Britain and America, Liverpool and Staffordshire printers and potters seized the commercial opportunity offered them in the production of transfer printed earthenwares celebrating the heroes, the military victories, and the virtues of the young republic, and frequently all of these things at once.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
CE.63.166
catalog number
63.166
accession number
248619
collector/donor number
44-347

Courtroom Sketch, El Monte Sweatshop Case

Courtroom sketch depicting El Monte Sweatshop Case. Shows eight accused slavers, all dressed in blue. August 21, 1995. On light board. Signed Chaney '95.Currently not on view
Description
Courtroom sketch depicting El Monte Sweatshop Case. Shows eight accused slavers, all dressed in blue. August 21, 1995. On light board. Signed Chaney '95.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1995
maker
Mary Chaney
ID Number
1997.0345.05
accession number
1997.0345
catalog number
1997.0345.05

Banner, FDR for President

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Campaign banner, 1932. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s election in 1932 and the subsequent New Deal legislation strengthened labor unions and social reform movements.
Description
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Campaign banner, 1932. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s election in 1932 and the subsequent New Deal legislation strengthened labor unions and social reform movements. Many within the Roosevelt Administration believed that the Depression resulted from under-consumption due to low wages. Through a number of programs — including the National Recovery Administration, the Wagner Labor Relations Act (which
protected labor organizing), and the Fair Labor Standards Act — the government raised wages and improved working conditions to put the economy back on track.
Location
Currently not on view
associated person
Roosevelt, Franklin Delano
ID Number
PL.227739.1940.C06
catalog number
227739.1940.C06
accession number
227739

Pitcher, "Thomas Jefferson"

This earthenware pitcher is decorated with a transfer print portrait of Thomas Jefferson on one side and a poem to Liberty on the other. The portrait of Jefferson is surrounded by a laurel wreath entwined with ribbon bearing names of the first fifteen states.
Description
This earthenware pitcher is decorated with a transfer print portrait of Thomas Jefferson on one side and a poem to Liberty on the other. The portrait of Jefferson is surrounded by a laurel wreath entwined with ribbon bearing names of the first fifteen states. Over the portrait is “Thomas Jefferson” while “President of the United States of America” is underneath. The poem is encircled by a ribbon bearing the names of fifteen states scrolling around fifteen stars. The poem is a stanza borrowed from Joseph Addison’s “A Letter From Italy To The Right Honourable Charles Lord Halifax.” It reads: “O Liberty thou Goddess! / heav’nly bright, / Profuse of bliss / and pregnant with delight. / Eternal pleasures / in thy presence reign. / and smiling plenty leads / thy wanton train.” The pitcher is signed by F. Morris Shelton, a Staffordshire potter operating in the early 19th century. Robert H. McCauley purchased this pitcher from Ginsberg and Levy for $110.00.
This pitcher is part of the McCauley collection of American themed transfer print pottery. There is no mark on the pitcher to tell us who made it, but it is characteristic of wares made in large volume for the American market in both Staffordshire and Liverpool between 1790 and 1820. Pitchers of this shape, with a cream colored glaze over a pale earthenware clay, known as Liverpool type, were the most common vessels to feature transfer prints with subjects commemorating events and significant figures in the early decades of United States’ history. Notwithstanding the tense relationship between Britain and America, Liverpool and Staffordshire printers and potters seized the commercial opportunity offered them in the production of transfer printed earthenwares celebrating the heroes, the military victories, and the virtues of the young republic, and frequently all of these things at once.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
CE.63.084
catalog number
63.084
accession number
248881
collector/donor number
314

Mount Vernon postcard Printed in Germany, ca. 1906

By the end of the 19th century, inexpensive and easily reproducible souvenirs became an acceptable substitute for items made from Mount Vernon itself.Gift of Ralph E. Becker, 1974
Description
By the end of the 19th century, inexpensive and easily reproducible souvenirs became an acceptable substitute for items made from Mount Vernon itself.
Gift of Ralph E. Becker, 1974
date made
1789
associated person
Washington, George
ID Number
PL.227739.1789.S04
catalog number
227739.1789.S04
accession number
299199

Pitcher, "Washington and the Patriots of America"

This creamware pitcher is decorated with a transfer-print titled “The Memory of WASHINGTON and the Proscribed PATRIOTS of AMERICA / Liberty, Virtue, Peace, Justice, and Equity to ALL Mankind.” The print is a central medallion with a background of a monument honoring Washington, a
Description
This creamware pitcher is decorated with a transfer-print titled “The Memory of WASHINGTON and the Proscribed PATRIOTS of AMERICA / Liberty, Virtue, Peace, Justice, and Equity to ALL Mankind.” The print is a central medallion with a background of a monument honoring Washington, a beehive, and a cornucopia. Inset in the medal are two portraits of Samuel Adams and John Hancock, respectively labeled “S A” and “J H.” Under the medallion reads “Columbias Sons inspir’d by Freedoms Flame / Live in the Annals of immortal Fame.” The other side of the pitcher is decorated with a medallion transfer print with a background of the sea with ships in a harbor while an American soldier in Continental uniform stands under an American flag next to a cannon and cannonball stack in the foreground. The rim of the medallion reads “Success to AMERICA whose MILITIA is better than Standing ARMIES / May its Citizens Emulate Soldiers And its Soldiers HEROES.” Depicted under the spout is an American merchant ship under sail with a banner that “Success to Trade.” Under the handle is a print of the allegory of fame sounding a trumpet. This pitcher features brilliant polychrome images. According to Success to America: Creamware for the American Market, the pitcher can be attributed to Francis Shelton in Staffordshire County, England. Robert H. McCauley purchased this pitcher on August 5, 1938 for $100.00 from Joseph Kindig, Jr. of York, PA as part of the William Randolph Hearst Collection.
This pitcher is part of the McCauley collection of American themed transfer print pottery. There is no mark on the pitcher to tell us who made it, but it is characteristic of wares made in large volume for the American market in both Staffordshire and Liverpool between 1790 and 1820. Pitchers of this shape, with a cream colored glaze over a pale earthenware clay, known as Liverpool type, were the most common vessels to feature transfer prints with subjects commemorating events and significant figures in the early decades of United States’ history. Notwithstanding the tense relationship between Britain and America, Liverpool and Staffordshire printers and potters seized the commercial opportunity offered them in the production of transfer printed earthenwares celebrating the heroes, the military victories, and the virtues of the young republic, and frequently all of these things at once.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
CE.63.087
catalog number
63.087
accession number
248881
collector/donor number
323

Badge, Theodore Roosevelt, 1904

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

Mary Lincoln's Mourning Scarf Pin

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

Pitcher, "Shipbuilding"

This pitcher is decorated with transfer prints a shipbuilding scene on one side and a spread-winged eagle on the other.
Description
This pitcher is decorated with transfer prints a shipbuilding scene on one side and a spread-winged eagle on the other. The shipbuilding scene portrays different stages of the shipbuilding process—trees being felled, logs carted to the building yard, logs turned into planks, and planks formed into ships. Below the scene is a verse from the song Adams and Liberty, “Our mountains are covered with imperial oak, Whose roots like our liberties ages have nourished / but long ere our nation submits to the yoke, Not a tree shall be left on the field where it flourish’d / Should invasion impend Every grove would descend, from the Hill tops they shaded our shores to defend / for ne’er shall the sons of Columbia be slaves, While the Earth bears a plant or the Sea Rolls its waves.” The opposite side of the jug features a spread-winged bald eagle similar to that from the Great Seal of the United States. Robert H. McCauley purchased this jug from A.T. Goodyear of Baltimore, MD on August 4, 1938 for $45.00.
This pitcher is part of the McCauley collection of American themed transfer print pottery. There is no mark on the pitcher to tell us who made it, but it is characteristic of wares made in large volume for the American market in both Staffordshire and Liverpool between 1790 and 1820. Pitchers of this shape, with a cream colored glaze over a pale earthenware clay, known as Liverpool type, were the most common vessels to feature transfer prints with subjects commemorating events and significant figures in the early decades of United States’ history. Notwithstanding the tense relationship between Britain and America, Liverpool and Staffordshire printers and potters seized the commercial opportunity offered them in the production of transfer printed earthenwares celebrating the heroes, the military victories, and the virtues of the young republic, and frequently all of these things at once.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
CE.63.081
catalog number
63.81
accession number
248881
collector/donor number
309

Pitcher, "Washington"

This transfer printed creamware pitcher is decorated with two prints related to the death of George Washington.
Description
This transfer printed creamware pitcher is decorated with two prints related to the death of George Washington. On the front is a print of a portrait of Washington in profile titled “He in Glory America in Tears.” On the reverse is an urn marked with the initials “GW” surrounded by a list of Washington’s life achievements. It reads “GEORGE WASHINGTON born Feb. 11, 1732 Gen.l of the American Armies 1775 Resigned 1783 President of the United States 1789 Resigned 1796 / General of the American Armies 1798 Died universally regretted 14th . December 1799.” Finally, under the spout is a transfer printed medallion with the words, “A MAN / without example / A PATRIOT / without reproach.” This phrase3 is drawn from Thomas Paine’s “An Eulogy on the Life of General George Washington” delivered on January 2, 1800. Black ink accents the lip of the jug. George Washington is the most common figure depicted on English creamware pitchers of this period. His death in 1799 led to an outpouring of commemorative products celebrating his life and mourning his death. Robert H. McCauley purchased this pitcher from Washington Art Galleries in Washington, DC on October 15, 1951 for $80.00.
This pitcher is part of the McCauley collection of American themed transfer print pottery. There is no mark on the pitcher to tell us who made it, but it is characteristic of wares made in large volume for the American market in both Staffordshire and Liverpool between 1790 and 1820. Pitchers of this shape, with a cream colored glaze over a pale earthenware clay, known as Liverpool type, were the most common vessels to feature transfer prints with subjects commemorating events and significant figures in the early decades of United States’ history. Notwithstanding the tense relationship between Britain and America, Liverpool and Staffordshire printers and potters seized the commercial opportunity offered them in the production of transfer printed earthenwares celebrating the heroes, the military victories, and the virtues of the young republic, and frequently all of these things at once.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
CE.63.126
catalog number
63.126
accession number
248619
collector/donor number
51-383

Pitcher Honoring Frederick Douglass

This hand-modeled and molded, unglazed red earthenware pitcher honors Frederick Douglass, "Slave Orator/ United States Marshall, Recorder of Deeds D.C./ Diplomat."Although the maker is unknown, we do know that the design for the pitcher was copyrighted by a J. E.
Description
This hand-modeled and molded, unglazed red earthenware pitcher honors Frederick Douglass, "Slave Orator/ United States Marshall, Recorder of Deeds D.C./ Diplomat."
Although the maker is unknown, we do know that the design for the pitcher was copyrighted by a J. E. Bruce of Albany, New York, in 1896, one year after Douglass's death.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1895
designer
Bruce, J. E.
maker
unknown
ID Number
1981.0353.1
accession number
1981.0353
catalog number
1981.0353.01

Hon Stephen A Douglas

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
PL.227739.1860.G038
catalog number
227739.1860.G038

"Taking the Stump" or Stephen in Search of His Mother

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

Ulysses S. Grant Campaign Badge

This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1868. 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 1868. 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 badges.
Obverse: Photograph of Ulysses S. Grant and Schuyler Colfax that is labeled, “GRANT and COLFAX.” The photo is in an ornate silver-colored frame featuring a spread-winged eagle at the top, two unfurling red, white and blue American flags, and a scroll that reads “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1868
depicted
Grant, Ulysses S.
Colfax, Schuyler
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1168
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1168

Horatio Seymour Campaign Badge

This presidential campaign badge was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company around 1868. 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 around 1868. 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.
This badge features a tintype photograph set into a bronze frame with blue and lucent insets.
Obverse: Tintype photograph of Horatio Seymour, labeled “SEYMOUR.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1868
depicted
Seymour, Horatio
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1177
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1177

Humphrey Presidential Campaign Pin

The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this Hubert Humphrey Presidential campaign pin in 1968. Scovill was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
The Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut produced this Hubert Humphrey Presidential campaign pin in 1968. Scovill 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, medals, coins, and tokens.
The circular white button bears the logo of three interlocking blue “H”s and the text “Humphrey” in red. The button has a pin on the back, allowing it to be worn. Humphrey unsuccessfully ran for President on the Democratic ticket in 1968.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968
referenced
Humphrey, Hubert H.
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1300
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1300

Abraham Lincoln Campaign Badge

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

Ulysses S. Grant Campaign Medal

This presidential campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1868. 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 1868. 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: Bust of Ulysses S. Grant facing forward, the legend reads: GENERAL U. S. GRANT 1868.
Reverse: Bust of Schuyler Colfax facing forward, the legend reads: SCHUYLER COLFAX 1868.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1868
depicted
Grant, Ulysses S.
Colfax, Schuyler
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1070
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1070

Abraham Lincoln Commemorative Medal

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

John A. Bell Campaign Medal

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 that 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 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 John A. Bell. The legend reads: BELL and EVERETT.
Reverse: Tintype photograph of Edward Everett. The rim is ringed with stars and the legend reads: 1860.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
depicted
Bell, John
Everett, Edward
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1103
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1103

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