Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A rare celluloid campaign button featuring a sepia-toned portrait of Grover Cleveland, the only U.S. President to serve two non-consecutive terms. This piece represents the dawn of modern political marketing, utilizing the then-revolutionary technology of celluloid to create wearable propaganda.
Story
Grover Cleveland lost the 1888 election despite winning the popular vote. His wife, Frances, famously told White House staff to keep everything in place because they'd be back in four years. She was right.
Maker / Origin
While the back is not visible, the Whitehead & Hoag Company of Newark, NJ, patented the celluloid button process in 1896. Before this, political 'jewelry' was made of heavy metal or fragile glass; these lightweight pins allowed every citizen to become a walking billboard for their candidate.
Condition & Value
The pin shows significant moisture damage and 'foxing' (brown spotting) across the portrait, which obscures the image. This heavy staining significantly reduces the value compared to a 'clean' example, though the structural integrity appears sound. Condition reduces value by roughly 50-60%.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.