HISTORIC AND RARE “COXEY/KEEP OFF THE GRASS” LAPEL STUD LIKELY FROM 1897 OHIO GOV. CAMPAIGN.
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Winning Bid:
$258.75 (Includes 15% Buyer's Premium)
Bids:
1
Bidding Ended:
Wednesday, January 20, 2010 1:00:00 AM (20 Minute Clock Begins At Wednesday, January 20, 2010 1:00:00 AM)
Time Left:
Ended
Auction:
Auction #199 - Part I
Item numbers 1 through 972 in auction 199
Value Code:
H - $200 to $400 Help Icon
Item Description
.75” lapel stud with his photo over-printed by lines representing jail bars. Trivial 1/16” tiny gap on reverse where celluloid edge meets the metal backing. Reverse is like a lapel stud but the circular disk is movable to one side so it can fold over and more easily insert into a buttonhole. Given the manufacturing characteristics, we believe this button dates to 1897; however, the image and text date to 1894 when Coxey an Ohio businessman, organized an “Industrial Army” to protest the federal government’s lack of action during the economic crisis of the day. The Army marched to Washington attracting many sympathizers along the way. However, it also panicked other people who feared an insurrection of the unemployed. In Washington, Coxey and his Army were driven from the Capitol lawn. Coxey, attempting to read his statement on the Capitol steps was jailed for trespassing, thus the slogan “Keep Off The Grass.” Later that year, Coxey ran for U.S. Representative from Ohio losing to a Republican. In 1895, he unsuccessfully ran as the Peoples Party (Populist Party) candidate for Ohio Governor. 1894 and 1895 are a little early given the construction of this item. However, he went on to serve as a delegate to the 1896 People’s (Populist) Party convention. The item could possibly date from that year but it most likely dates from his second attempt in the Ohio Governor contest in 1897. Overall Exc. and displays Mint. Rare.
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