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1857 James Buchanan Inauguration Ball Invitation 1857 James Buchanan Grand Inauguration Ball Invitat

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:1,200.00 - 1,500.00 USD
1857 James Buchanan Inauguration Ball Invitation 1857 James Buchanan Grand Inauguration Ball Invitat
<B>1857 James Buchanan Grand Inauguration Ball Invitation</B></I> requesting the honor of a Miss Frances Force's company. The Democratic Party nominated Buchanan for president primarily because he was out of the country during the Kansas-Nebraska debate, and was, therefore, untainted by either side. He and his running mate, John C. Breckinridge, ran against the first-ever Republican ticket, John C. Fremont & William L. Dayton in the 1856 election. The Know-Nothing ticket of Millard Fillmore & A. J. Donelson split the vote and Buchanan was elected with less than a majority of the popular vote. His moderate views were not popular with extremists of either party. <BR><BR>This handsome engraved Inauguration Ball invitation has a portrait of Buchanan inside and at the top of an arch between two columns built from building blocks named for the states and designated "Constitution of the United States" and "The Union Must Be Preserved." It's interesting to note all the famous names listed as Managers. One that stands out is <B>Jeff. Davis</B></I> (fourth from the top) as it was he who, in a short period of time, would be helping to tear down this Union. The invitation is 7" x 10.5" in size and was printed on heavy stock by "Toppan, Carpenter & Co. Philad." The condition is very fine with some general light soiling and a couple of darker stains at the top. Fine for display. An extremely rare inaugural item for Buchanan.