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    William Henry Harrison: A Superb Silk Log Cabin Flag from the 1840 Campaign....

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    Political:3D & Other Display (pre-1896), William Henry Harrison: A Superb Silk Log Cabin Flag from the 1840 Campaign....
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    Description

    William Henry Harrison: A Superb Silk Log Cabin Flag from the 1840 Campaign. Harrison's log cabin and cider barrel symbols have long been considered among the most effective political logos in the history of American campaigning. Accordingly, collectors have always prized 1840 flags with this design above those with the candidate's portrait. They are also, of course, much rarer; we would be surprised if more than six to eight examples survive in all of the several similar flag designs featuring log cabins.

    To the left of the cabin is a flagpole surmounted by an eagle with wings extended, as well as a cannon and shot, and a rank of uniformed soldiers, symbolic of the military exploits which brought Harrison to national notice. In the foreground is the ubiquitous barrel marked "Hard Cider." As always, the door of the cabin stands open, and above is the widely publicized Harrison quote: "If you ever come to Vincennes, call on my cabin and you will not find the door shut or the string pulled in." Thus did the patrician landowner co-opt the popular mood of Jacksonian Democracy and ride it successfully to the White House.

    Although Collins pictures 10 different Harrison flag banner designs in "Threads of History," he does not show a single example with the log cabin as a central image. Condition is almost always problematic in these early political banners, particularly those made of silk, which was so fragile and perishable. The dyes in use at the time were also very susceptible to fading. Accordingly, it is very rare to find one of these early political flags in the beautiful state of preservation of this example. Colors are strong, and the flag is 99% free of any soiling or staining. Very slight fraying (that may be too strong a term) on the right edge. Several very tiny holes, the largest being the size of a pencil eraser; none of them affects lettering or the central design. All in all, one of the finest condition 1840 campaign flags we have ever seen. 25.5" x 21.25". Nicely custom framed.



    Auction Info

    Auction Dates
    May, 2011
    21st Saturday
    Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 6
    Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
    Page Views: 1,591

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