39-Star "Protection" Benjamin Harrison Political Kerchief

Presented is a printed linen political kerchief for Benjamin Harrison, from his 1888 Presidential campaign. The kerchief features a waving 39-star American flag at the center of a white field, with the word “Protection” printed in blue on a white stripe. The flag’s canton is printed in medium blue, with 39 five-pointed white stars. The stars are arranged in six rows, with a 6/7/6/7/6/6 star configuration. Thirteen red and white stripes complete the flag design. The kerchief is bordered with a patriotic stars and stripes design, featuring a ring of 18-star American flags. 

Benjamin Harrison was a moderate Republican, and elected the 23rd president in the election of 1888.  Harrison ran against Grover Cleveland, the incumbent President and a Democrat. The central themes of Harrison's campaign were nationalism and tariff protection, as highlighted in this kerchief.

Campaign kerchiefs were initially produced beginning in the first quarter of the nineteenth century, but became a particularly popular campaign tool in the time period between 1850 and 1920.  Campaign kerchiefs were worn, presented in store fronts, waved in parades, flown at political rallies, and hung from buggy whips. 

CONDITION:

In very good condition, with only light fading of colors and very minimal staining along the border. Horizontal and vertical creases from past storage. Printed in blue and red ink on white linen. Edged with a running stitch in white thread. Unframed Dimensions: 18” H x 18” W. 

Kerchief is archivally framed, mounted on acid-free fabric mats, with UV Conservation Clear glass and a custom-built wooden frame. 

Framed Dimensions: 25 3/4"H x 24 3/4"W x 1 1/2"D. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.