Political Novelties

A series of pull cards, soap sculptures, nutcrackers, signs, belt buckles, and other objects created to promote or oppose various U.S. presidential candidates

The Constitution made the presidency and the positions of senator and representative elective offices. By the early 19th century, rivalries among political factions in the new government led to the creation of a competitive party system. The promotion of candidates among an expanding electorate placed increasing importance on the success of popular political campaigns.

The earliest objects in this group commemorate George Washington’s inauguration as the first president in 1789. Washington was the nation’s overwhelming choice, and the popular artifacts associated with his presidency generally celebrated the man and the office. With the realization of an in-and-out party system in the era of Andrew Jackson, advocacy replaced commemoration. Commemorative clothing buttons, sewing boxes, and crockery gave way to expendable campaign advertising novelties such as badges, buttons, and ribbons. These objects are the products of an economy of popular promotion that sought to instill a high level of activism and engagement. By the mid-20th century badges, buttons, and ribbons began to be displaced by investments in radio and television advertising and opinion polling.

Search term: *:* Set Name: Clothing & Accessories Clear All

Cleveland/Thurman Campaign Belt Buckle, 1888

The “C & T” on this belt buckle stand for Grover Cleveland and Allen Thurman, who ran as president and vice president in the 1888 campaign. During an era when belt buckles enjoyed rising popularity, they often made ideal campaign objects.
Description
The “C & T” on this belt buckle stand for Grover Cleveland and Allen Thurman, who ran as president and vice president in the 1888 campaign. During an era when belt buckles enjoyed rising popularity, they often made ideal campaign objects. The manufacturers of this buckle also made ones fro Clevelands opponents – Benjamin Harrison and Levi Morton – showing that they prioritized profits over party in the 1888 campaign.
associated person
Cleveland, Grover
ID Number
PL.227739.1888.N02
catalog number
227739.1888.N02
accession number
227739

Harrison and Morton Campaign Buckle

The “H & M” on this belt buckle stands for Benjamin Harrison and Levi P. Morton, who ran as president and vice president in the 1888 campaign. During an era when belt buckles enjoyed rising popularity, they often made ideal campaign objects.
Description
The “H & M” on this belt buckle stands for Benjamin Harrison and Levi P. Morton, who ran as president and vice president in the 1888 campaign. During an era when belt buckles enjoyed rising popularity, they often made ideal campaign objects. The manufacturers of this buckle also made ones for Harrison’s opponents – Grover Cleveland and Allen Thurman – showing that they prioritized profits over party in the 1888 campaign.
associated person
Harrison, Benjamin
ID Number
PL.227739.1888.N04
catalog number
227739.1888.N04
accession number
227739

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