By MICHAEL MCQUILLEN
AntiqueWeek Correspondent Few would dispute the fact that 2008 was a historic year in the world of U.S. politics.
Many “firsts” in our political structure were reached, culminating in the inauguration of the first African-American President of the United States.
Collectors of political memorabilia have seen an absolute explosion in not only the amount, but the diversity of political campaign collectibles as well.
“Limited Edition” was the key phrase in dozens of different campaign prints and posters produced and sold by many vendors of campaign paraphernalia including the official websites of the Obama campaign. A number of pop-culture artists lent their efforts to the 2008 campaign and the end result was a series of attractive and colorful campaign posters that were intended more for the living room than the polling place when all was said and done.
eBay and other auction websites are still filled with various editions of these and other posters from the campaign. A recent check of the phrase “Obama Poster” yielded 1,579 results with prices ranging from $3 to nearly $3,000 depending on specifics such as dimensions, number produced, signed/unsigned and more.
Buttons, the mainstay of most political collectors, also abounded throughout the 2008 campaign. Both the McCain and Obama camps put out their fair share of pin-backs, and once again current prices are running the gamut from cheap to expensive. Items from the winner’s previous campaigns are in especially high demand, and a rare Barack Obama for State Senator button sold for an eye-popping $3,683 in a national mail order auction last month.
Thankfully for collectors, the vast majority of McCain and Obama buttons may still be had for a few dollars for common vendor examples up to around $100 or less for scarce one-day issues and artist produced pin-backs.
All in all, 2008 was a great year for collectors of political Americana and the hobby has grown exponentially due to campaign excitement.
Q: I saw your name in AntiqueWeek. I have a neon orange poster to Elect Nixon. It’s really funny, with all these people such as Agnew and Tricia holding signs saying vote for my Daddy, etc. Any idea what it’s worth?I’ve had it framed and it’s certainly a conversation piece but I am curious.
A: Richard Nixon may not have been as prolific as Barack Obama when it comes to campaign posters, but there were hundreds of varieties produced for his 1960, 1968 and 1972 presidential campaigns. Brightly colored and psychedelic designed posters abound and this particular example sells in the $25-30 range.
Q: Recently, I came across an estate with an “Alfred E. Smith for President Board of Aldermen” – black and white celluloid picture button of a young Smith in the center. It is about seven-eighths of an inch. What do you think would be its fair market value?
A: This is a nice example to compare to the Obama State Senate pin mentioned above. Al Smith, the 1928 Democratic Presidential candidate was not quite as successful at the end of his campaign for the White House. Pre-presidential campaign items are still very collectible, although Smith comes in a distant second in this example. This pin retails for around $200. Michael J. McQuillen is a collector and dealer of political memorabilia. He collects buttons and items of all kinds.
He can be reached by writing him directly at P.O. Box 50022, Indianapolis, IN 46250-0022 |
