25393

Choice Benjamin Harrison Top Hat Choice Benjamin Harrison Top Hat.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:500.00 - 600.00 USD
Choice Benjamin Harrison Top Hat Choice Benjamin Harrison Top Hat.
<B>Choice Benjamin Harrison Top Hat.</B></I> This hat was issued for the 1892 Presidential Election as a campaign item for Benjamin Harrison and Whitelaw Reid. In 1888 Benjamin Harrison used the campaign slogan, "Grandfather's hat fits Ben too." This was to tie him to his famous grandfather, William Henry Harrison. He distributed buttons with top hats on them as well as canes and brooches. So the top hat became a sort of symbol for President Harrison. During his presidency, the top hat would be used to mock Harrison; cartoonists would place him under a huge top hat, stating how he did not live up to his grandfather's standards. At any rate, Ben Harrison kept the top hat theme and used it during his 1892 campaign, which he ultimately lost. This hat comes from that election run. There are other examples of this clever campaign piece, but none are in this pristine condition. The felt is clean, and as smooth as the day it was made. The leather band on the inside is still intact, in fact the size is still present; 6 3/4. Inside the hat there is a cardboard insert which features a jugate portrait of both the President and his vice presidential nominee. The paper is in excellent shape, and the image looks dark and crisp. This is your chance to own a wonderful piece of political iconography. Truly one of the most prolific Presidential symbols of all time!