Political Buttons and Collectible Americana, Free Appraisals

Political buttons originated with George Washington. At his inauguration, Washington & his supporters wore a brass clothing button reading "G.W.-Long Live the President". With the invention of ferrotypes & tintypes, pictures were soon used. These were usually surrounded by a metal frame with a hole punched it so a ribbon could be attached, & were usually worn on lapels. The 1st celluloid buttons appeared in 1896 with the campaigns of William McKinley & William Jennings Bryan. These were made by placing a thin celluloid protective covering over a paper design & then wrapping it around a metal disk or pinback button. Many colorful designs were created in this golden age,(1896-1916). During the past 100 years, slogans, pictures, & names have been used to promote candidates & their platforms and parties causes. While buttons are still produced, disposable stick-on badges are often used at rallies & political events, since they can be made cheaply & in large quantities. MORE . . .