McKinley-Hobart Campaign Badge, 1896

Summary

In 1896, voters who favored a currency backed by gold were called "gold bugs." They used a gold-colored bug as a symbol of their support for this policy. The wings of this mechanical button are hidden beneath the insect's body. Pressing the spring releases images of the Republican presidential ticket and "gold bug" favorites, William McKinley and Garret Hobart.

In 1896, voters who favored a currency backed by gold were called "gold bugs." They used a gold-colored bug as a symbol of their support for this policy. The wings of this mechanical button are hidden beneath the insect's body. Pressing the spring releases images of the Republican presidential ticket and "gold bug" favorites, William McKinley and Garret Hobart.

Artifact

Badge

Date Made

1896

Creators

Unknown

Place of Creation

United States 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

69.145.89

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Brass (Alloy)
Paper (Fiber product)

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)
Gold (Color)

Dimensions

Length: 1.25 in

Width: 1.5 in

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