Political Lantern, 1860-1880

Late-nineteenth-century political parties rallied their supporters by holding torchlight parades. In the evening, marchers lit up the street carrying torches, lamps and lanterns. Inexpensive paper lanterns glowed with the image or name of the party's candidate or other patriotic imagery. This accordion-pleated lantern contains images of an eagle and George Washington--patriotic symbols appropriate for any American running for office.