Here we offer a very scarce pinback from Theodore Roosevelt's 1904 presidential campaign, bearing his 1898 photographic gubernatorial portrait under celluloid. This button was a special issue by Whitehead & Hoag, likely a gift to more generous campaign donors, as the rim of the pin is rolled 10-carat gold, which means it has a layer of solid gold about a hundred times thicker than gold plate. The base of the button is also a special oxidation-resistant copper, not the usual metal used to make their pinbacks. On the copper is engraved "Whitehead & Hoag, Newark, NJ" and it has the patent for the badge's construction, "June 2 '94". The button is in excellent condition (please see pics), and comes pinned on a facsimile of the original Whitehead and Hoag card and set in a novel, eye-catching velvet presentation case. The case has a bit of edgewear. As was usual in the day, the button is quite small, measuring approximately 11/16 of an inch in diameter.

Also included in this auction is a period Teddy Roosevelt campaign bookmark made from the same image, applied over stamped aluminum.

These wonderful, genuine TR political relics will make an exciting addition to your collection or a marvelous gift for an enthusiast.

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