New Buttons, Old Designs

We who collect campaign buttons are busy this year, gathering Obama and McCain pins for our collections. The big difference these days is that the buttons are larger, anywhere from 2 1/2 inches in diameter to 3 1/2 inches or even larger. Large buttons were made in the "golden age" of buttons (1896-1916), but they are less common than the 1 1/4 inch and 7/8 diameter buttons.

Generally the graphics on buttons from the "golden age" are more colorful and better executed than on the buttons from the 1920's forward. Variations on the red, white, and blue stripe pattern became a common standard for many years. The 2008 campaign items have a lot of color and many attractive new designs. Some button makers, though, have reverted to the designs that were so popular during the golden age. As examples, I have posted pictures of two buttons from the 2008 campaign, and two from the 1904 (Theodore Roosevelt vs. Alton B. Parker) campaign.

The older ones are smaller, of course. Also, note that both of the 2008 buttons contain the candidates' names. In 1904, names appear only on the pin for Alton Parker and Henry Davis. Everyone recognized Theodore Roosevelt's image. Personally, I like the sharpness and refinement of the 1904 pins. But the 2008 buttons make their statements loud and clear. And the candidates smile for the portraits!