Frame Size (H x L): 12” x 12”
Cup Size (H x L): 4.5” x 4”

Offered is a rare suffragette movement cup.  It is a collapsible cup made of paper, and it includes the following overprint:

VOTES FOR WOMEN
N.Y. State Woman
Suffrage Assn.
Visit the Yellow
Suffrage Tent.
Near Grand Stand Center

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.  The New York State Woman Suffrage Association was a branch of the National American Woman Suffrage Association, which was founded in 1890.   

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

Frame: This offering is in an antique tortoise frame, dating to around 1870.  

Condition Report: This cup exhibits some age-appropriate toning.        

Collectability Level: The Great – Perfect for Rising Collectors
Date of Origin: 1910-1920