Theodore Roosevelt "Hat in the Ring" Bandana, Circa 1912

Presented is an original Theodore Roosevelt campaign handkerchief from the 1912 Presidential election. The red and white handkerchief features a caricature of Roosevelt in a slouch hat and monocle printed in the border along the outside of the design. His initials, “TR,” form a ring around his iconic rimmed hat at the center. The handkerchief was produced and sold by the National Kerchief Co., in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.

In early 1912, coaxed by his political supporters and his own dissatisfaction with President Taft's leadership, Theodore Roosevelt announced that he would run for a historic third presidential term. By running, Roosevelt eschewed the tradition of party loyalty and did so without the full backing of party leaders. He banked on winning the support of the people, and was successful in the few states that had direct primaries. But at the Republican convention in June, Roosevelt came up short of delegates and the Republican party nominated President Taft as their candidate. When he failed to secure the nomination, Roosevelt and his supporters formed the Progressive “Bull Moose” Party and he ran for president on its ticket. 

From the moment he declared, "My hat is in the ring," in February, Roosevelt embarked on a vigorous campaign promoting his “Square Deal” platform. Roosevelt visited 34 states, where he spoke in favor of Progressive Era causes such as minimum wage laws, conservation, women’s suffrage, safer workplaces, the eight-hour workday, and regulating monopolies. Meanwhile, his use of the colloquial boxing phrase, “Hat in the Ring,” gained traction. Companies began producing campaign merchandise, like pins and handkerchiefs, with his famous slouch hat at the center of a roped ring.

In November, Democratic nominee Woodrom Wilson won the election, while Taft achieved only 23% of the popular vote and eight electoral votes. Roosevelt earned 27% of the popular vote and eighty-eight electoral votes, making him the most successful third-party candidate in US history. 

CONDITION: 

Very good condition. Printed handkerchief, in red and white. Color is strong. Two spots of dark staining, otherwise a very nice display. 

Archivally mounted to acid-free linen mat with UV Conservation clear glass and a custom-built black wooden frame. 

Framed Dimensions: 27 3/4"H x 28"W x 1 1/2"D. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.