Frame Size (H x L): 35” x 37”
Kerchief Size (H x L): 24” x 26”

Offered is patriotic kerchief made for the Benjamin Harrison campaign.  It is made of blue cotton and is covered in stars.  A flowing ribbon extends across its face and states, “PROTECTION TO HOME INDUSTRIES,” a slogan and theme for the 1888 Harrison campaign.  Campaign kerchiefs were initially produced beginning in the first quarter of the nineteenth century, but became a particularly popular campaign tool in the time period between 1850 and 1920.  Campaign kerchiefs were worn, presented in store fronts, waved in parades, flown at political rallies, and hung from buggy whips.

An example of this kerchief is documented in the Threads of History, written by Herbert Ridgeway Collins (item number 645).  The referenced example was held in the Ralph E. Becker Collection.  Mr. Collins was the curator of the Division of Political History at the Smithsonian Institute.  His book is the best reference available for political textile collectors and includes over fifteen-hundred examples, dating from 1775 to 1979.       

Harrison was a moderate Republican, and elected the 23rd president in the election of 1888.  Harrison ran against Grover Cleveland, the incumbent President and a Democrat.  Harrison lost the popular vote, but won the electoral vote with 233 electoral votes to Cleveland's 168.  Harrison signed into law the Sherman Antitrust Act in 1890, the first legislation prohibiting business combinations in restraint of trade.  Despite this, many Americans viewed Harrison and the Republicans as being too closely aligned with the wealthy elite, and as wasteful.  Upon Harrison's election, the treasury had a great surplus, but the "Billion-Dollar Congress" spent enormous sums on soldiers' pensions and business subsidies, erasing the surplus.  By 1890, the Democrats recaptured the House of Representatives by a large majority, and in turn, Harrison had little influence on legislation.  In the election of 1892, Harrison lost the electoral vote with 145 electoral votes to Cleveland's 277. 

Conservation Process: This kerchief was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the kerchief, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The kerchief is positioned behind Conservation Clear Acrylic (standard) or behind Optium Museum Acrylic (per request).

Frame: This offering is in our Large Distressed Black and Gold Frame.  However, it can be reframed and would look great using any one of our Medium or Large Frames, which are shown in the final two images.  The pricing associated with the different framing options may vary.  Reframing of an offering may delay shipment by up to two weeks.  

Condition Report: This kerchief is in excellent condition.

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors
Date of Origin: 1888