Frame Size (H x L): 12.5” x 12.5”
Napkin Size (H x L): 7” x 7”

Offered is a suffragette movement napkin.  Its field is white and the overprint of “VOTES FOR WOMEN” is purple.  The “VOTES FOR WOMEN” overprint is canted and is sandwiched between purple upper and lower lines.   

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.  In 1906, the daughter of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriot Stanton Blatch, founded the Equality League of Self-Supporting Women, which later became the Women’s Political Union.  The Women’s Political Union organized working-class suffragists and, in 1910, organized the first large scale suffrage march in the United States (in New York City). 

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 stated the following:

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 napkin was sandwich mounted between cotton fabric and acrylic.  To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the napkin, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash.  The napkin is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: This offering is in an antique walnut frame. 

Condition Report: This napkin exhibits age-appropriate toning.  The right edge of the napkin is slightly darker than the rest of its front surface.        

Collectability Level: The Good – Perfect for Beginning Collectors and Gifts
Date of Origin: 1910-1920