Benjamin Harrison Campaign Badge, 1892

01

Artifact Overview

In the late 1800s, voters wore ingenious mechanical badges to show their support for political candidates. The seat of this "Presidential Chair" lapel badge is embossed with a question: "Who Will Occupy It?" Pressing a spring release reveals the answer: Republican Benjamin Harrison.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Badge

Date Made

1892

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

72.31.247

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Tin (Metal)

Technique

Albumen process

Color

Metallic (Color attribute)

Dimensions

Length: 2 in
Width: 1 in

Inscriptions

[on front when latch is closed] "PRESIDENTIAL CHAIR/ WHO SHALL OCCUPY IT" [on front when latch is open] "PAT PENDING"
Benjamin Harrison Campaign Badge, 1892