Newly Discovered 1860 Campaign Banner Breaks Auction Record

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Article Title: Newly Discovered 1860 Campaign Banner Breaks Auction Record
Author: Hector Cantu
Category: Collecting, History, Investing
Word Count: 322
Keywords: Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, Heritage Auctions, Booker T. Washington, politics
Author's Email Address: hectorc@HA.com
Article Source: http://www.contentcrooner.com
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A rare political banner issued by the campaign of a Kentucky lawyer who unsuccessfully ran against Abraham Lincoln in the 1860 presidential elections sold for nearly $100,000 at a November auction.

John C. Breckenridge previously had served as President James Buchanan's vice president and was one of three candidates who ran against Lincoln. After his loss, Breckenridge was elected to the U.S. Senate, but was expelled for supporting the rebellion that led to the Civil War.

Breckenridge's 1860 campaign banner was not known to exist until the example put up for auction was discovered in the floorboards of a house. The banner resembles the U.S. flag, with a portrait of Breckenridge in the upper left corner. Over 13 red and white stripes are the words, "For President, John C. Breckenridge, Vice President Gen. Jos. Lane."

Experts at Dallas-based Heritage Auctions called it "perhaps the most important American political textile to appear at auction." It sold for $95,600.

"Collectors stepped forward for this excellent opportunity," said Tom Slater, director of Heritage Auctions' Americana department. "The importance of a find like this cannot be overstated. It is a milestone in the history of political-items collecting, and the sale of this Breckinridge flag easily erased the previous record high for a political flag."

In February 2007, Heritage Auctions sold a campaign portrait flag featuring Abraham Lincoln and running mate Hannibal Hamlin for $83,650.

The auction featured other significant sales, including a 1766 clothing button protesting the Stamp Act that sold for $8,962, and a rare Ronald Reagan pinback 1980 campaign button, which sold for $1,195.

A china mug picturing America's sixth president, James Monroe, with his name spelled "Munroe," sold for $14,340. A paper lantern from 1864 picturing Lincoln opponent George McClellan -- which would have illuminated nighttime political rallies and parades -- sold for $7,170. A turn-of-the century button depicting Theodore Roosevelt entertaining African-American leader Booker T. Washington for a barrier-breaking dinner in the White House sold for $6,871.

Hector Cantu is editorial director at Heritage Magazine (www.HeritageMagazine.com). For a free subscription, visit www.HeritageMagazine.com.
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