McKinley-Hobart Campaign Badge, 1896

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Artifact Overview

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 Details

Artifact

Badge

Date Made

1896

Place of Creation

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

McKinley-Hobart Campaign Badge, 1896