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Item Description
This 1" rarity has been hiding deep in an advanced Debs collection for nearly three decades. The floating head portrait is identical to the one used on the early "Convict No. 2253" buttons and dates this button to between 1918-1920. Debs was initially arrested on June 30, 1918 and sentenced on September 12, 1918. After appealing the decision and losing in the Supreme Court decision Debs v. United States hewas again sentenced Nov. 18, 1918. The day Debs entered jail, April 13, 1919, American Marxist Charles Ruthenberg led a major parade and demonstration in Cleveland, OH that devolved into violence known as the May Day Riots Of 1919. Given the inscription and rarity it's not a stretch to think this button was produced in that window perhaps even for the infamous demonstration and very likely prior to the 1920 presidential nomination. Faint light brown stain at 6 o'clock on the extreme edge and the perimeter of the cream background has light gray toning that does not extended into the central portrait area. Otherwise only faint surface wear seen in reflected light. Perfectly centered, structurally sound and retaining full gloss. VF. A truly outstanding Debs rarity that should be considered among the rarest and most desirable of items related to the five time Socialist Party Presidential nominee and cause material in general. This is the only example known to us and the only time we can recall it being offered on the market. Likely a once in a lifetime opportunity.
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