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  WHIMSICAL TURKEY RED KERCHIEF MADE FOR THE 1912 (PROGRESSIVE PARTY) CAMPAIGN OF TEDDY ROOSEVELT, WITH HIS FAMOUS SLOUCH HAT AS A CENTER MEDALLION

Available: Sold
Frame Size (H x L): 30" x 31.25"
Flag Size (H x L): 20" x 21"
Description....:
WHIMSICAL TURKEY RED KERCHIEF MADE FOR THE 1912 (PROGRESSIVE PARTY) CAMPAIGN OF TEDDY ROOSEVELT, WITH HIS FAMOUS SLOUCH HAT AS A CENTER MEDALLION:

Printed cotton kerchief, made for the 1912 presidential campaign of Theodore Roosevelt when he ran on the Progressive Party ticket (the Bull Moose Campaign). This whimsical textile therefore relates to not only one of the most beloved American presidents, but to a rare political incident in which this same man lost the White House, not only for himself, but for his former Republican friends, as well, by splitting the vote.

In this example, the typical geometric design in the center panel, often some arrangement of diamonds, is replaced by the repeating initials "TR". These surround a center medallion that depicts Teddy's trademark Rough Rider's slouch hat, and are surrounded by a repeating image of a bespectacled Roosevelt, donning his famous headgear.

A bandanna in this style is documented in "Threads of History", by Herbert Ridgeway Collins, as item 933 on page 371 (Smithsonian Press, 1978). Collins served as curator of political history at the Smithsonian and his landmark text is considered the "Bible" of political flag and textile collecting.

A signature in the lower left corner reads: "Sold exclusively by the National Kerchief Company, New York, Chicago, and San Francisco", followed by "Design Pat. Applied For" in the lower right.. According to Collins, the design was copyrighted in 1912 by W.A. Loftus.

Mounting: The kerchief has been hand-stitched to 100% cotton, black in color. The black fabric was washed to reduce excess dye. An acid-free agent was added to the wash to further set the dye and the fabric was heat-treated for the same purpose. The mount was then placed in a black-painted, hand-gilded and distressed Italian molding. Spacers keep the textile away from the glass, which is u.v. protective.

Condition: Excellent.
Collector Level: Beginners and Holiday Gift Giving
Flag Type:
Star Count:
Earliest Date of Origin: 1912
Latest Date of Origin: 1912
State/Affiliation:
War Association:
Price: SOLD
 

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