Every four years Republicans get just a bit more Republican, Democrats more Democrat, and Americans, one hopes, a bit more American. And few are shy about wearing their convictions, if not on their sleeves, at least on their lapels.

Not everyone sees all this hoopla as annoying. Collectors of political memorabilia especially cherish all the hoopla -- posters, placards, ribbons, hats, noisemakers and stuff related to American political campaigns of the past -- as colorful reminders of our democratic history. They also like the idea that every four years their collections become more sought after and more valuable.

The early years of our republic produced little in the way of campaign memorabilia. There were no real campaigns for our first six presidents, because so few people could vote. Most experts agree that the era of political memorabilia begins with Andrew Jackson’s campaign in 1828. While still only white male landowners could vote in that election, public opinion was beginning to carry some weight with politicians.

To prove he was a man of the people, Jackson showered the common folk with ribbons, snuff boxes and bandanas, as well a whiskey bottles with his face on one side and George Washington’s on the other.

Property restrictions were finally lifted for the first time in the 1840 election, which gave us one of the most famous political slogan’s in U.S. history – “Tippecanoe and Tyler Too.” William Henry Harrison had defeated Chief Tecumseh at Tippecanoe Creek, and exploited his reputation as a hero to get himself and running mate, John Tyler, into office. His campaign also distributed buttons, almanacs and sheet music, much of it bearing their famous slogan. Harrison’s poster depicted him as just one of the folks, sitting on a barrel of hard cider outside a log cabin.

Not all campaign materials praised the candidates; some of it vilified the opposition. And if you think today’s politics can get dirty, some past campaigns were downright cruel.
For instance, the Republican Party was not always the home for social conservatives it is today. In fact, Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president was attacked as being a bit too tolerant and progressive. In a poster created by Currier and Ives for the 1864 election, Lincoln is shown being carried off on a rail to a lunatic asylum followed by his “supporters” – a suffragette; a strutting, duded-up black man; and an advocate of free love. The caption reads: “The Republican Party Going To The Right House.”

In 1928, the anti-Catholic KKK campaigned against the Democrat, Al Smith, with buttons distributed throughout the South reading “Vote Hoover – A Christian in The White House.”

Prices for political memorabilia are fairly democratic. Most buttons from the campaigns of the last 50 years are under $20.
The world of political memorabilia is much more than buttons and pins. It’s a whole range of things that are bound to please all sorts of collectors. There are toys, games, puzzles, banks, clocks, watches, sheet music, mugs, glasses, dishes and an array of novelties. Also look for statues, busts, portrait plates, prints and photos of historical American presidents, statesmen and politicians. They have become quite popular, even on the international market. All things related to George Washington have become particularly collectible.

Appraisals: Pin, “U.S. for Ike,” 1952, $90; Pin, Bryant/Sewell, jugate, “Victory 1896,” $200-plus; Pin, “Youth For Kennedy,” 1960, $225; Kerchief, “We Want Wilkie,” 1940, $50; Program, 1948 Republican National Convention, $35; Dart Board, “Et tu Spiro,” 1972, $15; Miniature plastic football, “Win One More For The Gipper,” 1984, $20; Al Smith Dime Bank, celluloid, $175; Match book, Johnson/Humphrey photo jugate, $5 each; Pocket Watch, Carter/Mondale, silver plate, 1975; $60.

Arthur Schwerdt, a certified appraiser, is author of “The Antique Story Book: Finding the Real Value of Old Things,” and co-owner of The August Farmhouse Antiques on Route 9 in Swainton. Send your comments and questions with photos to aschwerdt@cmcherald.com