Political buttons are a relatively inexpensive collectible. Most candidates give out free political buttons during the length of their campaigns. These are free for the asking at any Republican, Democratic or Candidate Headquarters.
You can collect many of the older buttons without shelling out a lot of money. There are a country full of political and history junkies out there that both buy and sell this campaign memorabilia so they are pretty easy to find.
William McKinley was the first US President to give Campaign Buttons out in 1896. The pictured button is one of the first of what now is considered a traditional political give-a-way. McKinley became our 25th President, Garrett Hobart was his running mate and became McKinley's Vice President during his first term.
William Jennings Bryan ran for President in 1896, 1900 and 1908, he never did win a presidental election but eventually became secretary of state. I’m not sure which year this button was from but that makes this button a least a hundred years old.
I like the Kennedy button the best. It flickers between two pictures, one that says “The Man For The 60’s” and John F. Kennedy’s profile and name.
Richard Nixon has assorted political buttons which are very collectible.
Jesse Jackson ran for President in 1984 and again in 1988, the featured button is of course from the 1984 election.
Political buttons are given away in almost every political election. Future presidents, governors and mayors give these away in hopes of getting your vote. Many times there are more than one style and size per candidate. Who can forget the last election, the Obama button pictured is only one of several different styles made.
If prominently displayed in your home Political Buttons can be a good conversation piece or more than likely a good argument starter. Regardless they are a piece of US history that can be handed down from generation to generation. Happy Collecting!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment