© 2003 Marni Landes.

Shell Badges

Ferrotypes (photos on metal) were encased in thin metal frames. These framed photos are referred to as shell badges. The frames, made out of very thin sheets of copper or brass, were embossed with a variety of patriotic designs and motifs. When they contain a ferrotype, collectors generally refer to the item as a ferrotype even though it is really a shell badge with ferrotype. Shell badges may contain paper photographs of candidates instead of ferrotypes or no photograph at all. Although a few ferrotypes were made as late as 1900, albumin prints had replaced them by the 1880s. Another variation of a shell badge is what collectors refer to as simply shells. These are made out of the same thin sheets of copper or brass but out of two pieces combined so that the device has a back. Thus, it mimics a medalet or coin. There also exists mechanical shell badges. These were especially popular in the 1896 election. When the word mechanical is used in reference to a political lapel device, it indicates the item has moving parts. Examples of mechanical shell badges include wings on McKinley gold bugs that flap open to reveal photographs and embossed figures that thumb their nose at the opponent.

Benjamin Harrison/Levi Morton Shell Badge Jugate 1888

Cleveland Shell Badge, 1892

Ulysses S. Grant Shell Badge , 1868