Skip to main content
Go to accessibility options

Description

James K. Polk: Important Torchlight Parade Broadside from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Pre-1860 presidential campaign broadsides are greatly coveted. Those of James K. Polk are particularly so owing to the relative rarity of all types of campaign items for this 1844 Democratic candidate. Particularly favored by collectors are broadsides like this one advertising a torchlight parade. These events were central to the politics of the day, and broadsides like this are highly evocative of the mid-nineteenth century political scene.

The present example announces a confab on November 26, 1844, "In Honor of the Glorious Victory Achieved in the Election of James K. Polk." It calls for a "general Illumination and Torch-light procession," and declares that it is "earnestly hoped that every man will come provided with his transparency or lantern." It seems that there must have been thousands of these political lanterns in use at political events of that era, yet amazingly only perhaps a couple of dozen examples have survived for all candidates. The broadside announces a twenty-six gun salute at noon which will signal the commencement of the day's festivities, noting that if the salute is not heard, it will indicate that the event has been postponed because of weather.

But for some trivial edge roughness the condition is exceptional. Inconsequential creases along lines where it was long stored quarter-folded. Measures 14" x 20.5" and is nicely custom-framed to an overall 17" x 21.5". This lot requires 3rd party shipping.


Auction Info

Auction Dates
May, 2010
22nd Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,426

Buyer's Premium per Lot:
19.5% of the successful bid per lot.

Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
This item cannot be shipped using standard methods. Please contact us for more information. Sales Tax information

Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More

Terms and Conditions  |  Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments |  Glossary of Terms
Sold on May 22, 2010 for: $1,792.50
Track Item