button types
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Ribbons
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Ribbons and Ribbon Badges
Ribbons are one of the earliest forms of political lapel devices. They
first appear in the 1800 presidential election. Originally, they were
often used as bookmarks although they obviously could be pinned to an
outer clothing garment. By the end of the nineteenth century, they begin
to appear with their own pins or clasps. Until about 1864, they were usually
made of silk or a silklike material. They exist in relatively rare quantities
for Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. Lincoln ribbons
exist in a multitude of designs and, although they are not rare, are valuable
because of the interest in Lincoln. After the Civil War, they often came
with fringes and tassels through the end of the Victorian period. Also,
after the Civil War, they began to come with attachments; thus, the name
ribbon badges. An interesting subset of ribbon badges is delegate ribbon
badges. These are worn by delegates to political conventions. Delegate
ribbons often have fancy medals and or celluloid buttons attached to the
ribbons. At the top, they often have a metal frame to hold the name or
rank of the delegate. Ribbons and ribbon badges are probably second only
to celluloid buttons in popularity.
(L to R) Richard M. Nixon, Co-Chair of the Inaugural Committee Ribbon Badge, 1973; Benjamin Harrison and Morton Ribbon, 1888; League of Nations Delegate Ribbon Badge, 1919; Tammany Hall Convention Ribbon Badge, 1904