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Rare Ulysses S. Grant Parade Cape Dramatic large Rare Ulysses S. Grant Parade Cape

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:8,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Rare Ulysses S. Grant Parade Cape Dramatic large Rare Ulysses S. Grant Parade Cape
<B>Rare Ulysses S. Grant Parade Cape</B></I> Dramatic large oil cloth parade cape, with a fierce American eagle holding a streamer reading, "Liberty," and two American flags. Below: "Sommerville Grant Legion." One of the nicest designs we have seen on the handful of political capes of this era which have survived. In excellent condition, as photo shows, which is quite remarkable for this type of item. Formerly in the famous collection of U. I. "Chick" Harris, the premier collection of early display items ever to come to market. This cape was purchased in 2000 in one of the eight landmark Slater's auctions, where it fetched just under $6,000. Savvy "critics," doing post-mortems on that auction series, consider this to be one of the better "bargains" obtained. This cape was worn by part of a smartly-dressed parade unit of Grant supporters. These groups were a fixture at political rallies and parades, often by torchlight, from the mid-1900s through the early 20th century. Considering the variety and number of these units, it is amazing that only a literal handful of these parade capes have survived, as compared to large numbers of torches, caps, banners, belts, and other related paraphernalia. In over thirty years, we have not seen more than several examples of these capes. Measures 51" by 41". A true museum-quality object!