Here's the basic info:
1888 Presidential Campaign Quilt "For President Benjamin Harrison / For Vice President Levi Morton" & "Protection"
c. 1888 Presidential Campaign, Benjamin Harrison and Levi Morton Portrait Quilt, Legend "Protection" and "For President Benjamin Harrison / For Vice President Levi P. Morton", Similar to "Threads of History" Illustration number 607, page 263, Very Fine.
This original Hand-sewn Quilt Cover measures about 81.5" x 67.75" having a red, white and blue checkerboard pattern which surrounds a Hand-sewn in 23" x 22" Bandanna with the Presidential Political Campaign Slogan, "Protection" against patriotic red and white stars and stripes, surrounded by "For President Benjamin Harrison / For Vice President Levi P. Morton". The blue has faded, small stain at bottom of bandanna. Round Portraits of both Harrison and Morton placed in opposite corners. Similar to an example listed and illustrated as number 607 seen on page 263 of the Smithsonian's major reference titled, "Threads of History". A nice example allowing you to actually snuggle up with Benjamin Harrison and Levi Morton!
Scrappy quilts, featuring a political message in the middle (usually a bandanna or handkerchief), were very popular during this period. This quilt isn't what I'd call a scrap quilt, since the colors are carefully arranged, and the fabrics seem to be consistent. It's quite wonderful, nonetheless.
More about politics in cloth here.
Another look at the subject, including the 'I LIke Ike' dress and umbrella shown below, from the Eisenhower campaign of 1952
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| Photos from the Blogarama post -- click on the link above |
Early American History Auctions is offering this piece via live auction. You've got eight days to set up an account and bid. (They're valuing it at $1500-2000 which, in my opinion, is WAY too low. Starting bid is $900.) Click here for more.
Update: it only sold for $1200. Someone got a bargain!
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