Price: Call 618-553-2291, or email info@bonsellamericana.com
Frame Size (H x L): 25” x 50”
Textile Size (H x L): 14” x 34.5” with 4.5” tassels.

Offered is a spectacular “VOTES FOR WOMEN” pennant.  The tassels are black, the hoist strip is yellow, the left portion of the field is black, and the right portion of the field is yellow.  The tassels, hoist strip, and the field are all made of felt.  Yellow was the primary color in the women’s suffrage movement in the US, and was combined with various other colors, including black and purple in many instances.

The left portion of the field includes a felt “VICTORY” overprint, an upper felt trumpet, and a lower felt trumpet.  The right portion of the field includes a felt “VOTES FOR WOMEN” overprint.  The “VOTES” portion includes a large “V” and the other letters therein are medium in size.  The “FOR” portion is small and slants upwards.  And the “WOMEN” portion is medium in size. 

For several reasons, we believe that this pennant is as good as any suffragette pennant in circulation.  First, this pennant is extremely rare.  We are aware of only two.  Second, this pennant is bigger than its counterparts.  Including the tassels, this pennant is approximately 40” long, which is 5” to 20” longer than most suffragette pennants.  And third, this pennant includes an outstanding overprint, particularly the overprint referencing the anticipated suffrage related victories and its pair of trumpets.  To our knowledge, this the only kind of suffragette pennant that includes such references as separate felt components.     

In 1848, Lucretia Mott and Elizabeth Cady Stanton organized the first women’s rights convention in Seneca Falls, New York.  As a result of this meeting in Stanton’s hometown, the document containing a declaration for women’s suffrage, right to education, and right to employment was drafted.  Over the next 50 years, numerous women’s conventions were hosted to bring strength to the movement in masses.

Though initially targeted as a state-by-state movement, it was ultimately recognized that only an amendment to the Constitution would grant all women the right to vote.  Amendments were introduced in 1878 and 1914, both of which were defeated.  By 1918, both political parties were committed to women’s suffrage, in part based on the major role women played in World War I.  As such, in January of 1918 and June of 1919, an amendment was passed by two-thirds majorities in the House and Senate, respectively.  On August 18th, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the amendment, giving the two-thirds of state legislators necessary to ratify the amendment.  On August 26th, the Nineteenth Amendment became part of the Constitution, and read as follows:

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Conservation Process: This pennant 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 pennant, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The pennant 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 pennant is slightly faded, but otherwise in great condition.

Collectability Level: The Extraordinary – Museum Quality Offerings   
Date of Origin: 1910-1920