This standard sized postcard is part of a set from the 1912 presidential campaign which has wonderful cartoon artwork on them, distinctly anti-Theodore Roosevelt. We have others in the set for sale in our eBay store.
Shortly after he won the 1904 presidential election, Theodore Roosevelt said that he wouldn't run again; words that he wished he could have taken back the moment they left his mouth. He had no idea that in four years he would remain so immensely popular, and there are a ton of third-term postcards supporting that he disregard what he'd said. But, true to his word, in 1908 he promoted his chosen successor, William Howard Taft and, after his victory and swearing-in, TR promptly left the U.S. for his extensive African trip. When he came back triumphantly in 1910, he realized Taft wasn't towing the Roosevelt line. By 1912 he'd had enough and finally forgoing his promise he "threw his hat into the ring." He succeeded in winning the majority of GOP primaries, but the Republican National Convention still gave the nomination to Taft by seating his delegates over Roosevelt's. Consequently TR bolted his life-long party, formed the Progressive or "Bull Moose" party, and challenged both Taft and the democrat nominee Woodrow Wilson in the fall. So, just like Ross Perot did when he ran in 1992 against George Bush 41, (giving the election to the democrat Bill Clinton with a total vote of only in the low 40's percentiles), TR likewise gave the 1912 election to Wilson since he split the conservative vote - which is always the largest part. His personal satisfaction was that he came in second, but many republicans never forgave him. The man whose party machine had bested TR at the convention came in third!
Out of Michigan came a great set of cartoon postcards cautioning TR about what he was about to do and its likely result, done by an artist named Allan, whom no one seems to know much about. But the cards are classics and sure hit the nail on the head, accurately predicting the result in favor of Wilson. Here TR is at a carnival throwing baseball's at the republican party's mascot while Woodrow Wilson eggs him on. Just think, if this art appeared on a cello button, imagine how much you'd have to fork out. Maybe a grand? Or more. Which is another reason why postcards are better than pins. It's been postmarked from somewhere in Michigan and sent to someone in Hesperia named Warren Spaulding. This is in nice condition, but please enlarge our image to judge this for yourself so you can be happy with your purchase.
We are members of APIC and sell only authentic presidential (and other collectible) material so buy with confidence. We'll be happy to combine S & H costs on multiple purchases. Shipping on this will be $5.00, carefully packed with tracking, and we'll buy the insurance on your package to protect both of us.
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We returned from the northeastern part of the U.S. where we purchased another top-notch political postcard collection from a life-long specialist and friend. PLUS we're still selling out of the collection of our mid-west friend! Since many of their cards are duplicates of our own, we feel it is important to offer them back into the collector market, so that others continue having the fun of discovery and pride of ownership that we three have experienced over the decades. Hopefully you can find a gem or two to add to your own collection, so check our eBay store over time for this great opportunity for adding to your collection.
Our collecting interests fall into all categories of presidential campaign material, but postcards remain at the top of the list. Like buttons, their graphics can be spectacular. But they have the added advantage of being able to contain a lot more of it with much more diverse art. They may relate to a specific person or event or articulate opposing campaign slogans. Many can be "mated-up" with an example for another candidate: the 1912 pennant cards have seemingly endless color combinations, images and slogans so you'll never have them all, which keeps your quest alive. Some have "coat-tails" and are geographically specific or contain "hopefuls" or are from an person's early career. One can simply collect their favorite candidate. In history, the 1908 election occurred at the height of the overall postcard craze by the public, so one can acquire a massive collection for that year alone. Cards can be one-of-a-kind real photos, printed photos or lithographs while others are part of an set. Some are cross-collectibles involving baseball, other sports, artists, causes or holidays. They can show one or more candidates - often even the opposing candidates - which one rarely finds on pins.
Just remember this: if it doesn't have a printed place for a stamp and an address or wasn't machine-mailed like most modern examples, by definition it ISN'T a postcard. Having it used through the mail confirms its history (if you're worried about reproductions) and adds to its depth. Be aware that condition may be part of the mailing: it's important and can affect the value. But being obsessed and possessed like many button fanatics over obtaining perfect condition examples can be time wasted from the joy of collecting.
Cards are much more personal than pins. You know they were handled, way back when, and are also meant to be today (using care). If folding or mechanical, they MUST be touched and worked to fully appreciate them. Many backs contain a political message or show a postmark nailing down a small town or date. Some show a particular moment in American history: a meeting of great individuals or the last days or hours of a person - often the president. Others then show the early days of his successor. Pins don't often show that.
Many cards have anti-cartoons - their great, artwork barbs and blurbs are classic political fun; sarcastic, creative, witty and sometimes suggestive, as being rendered by the famous or not-so. Pro-examples can gush enthusiastically. Some reflect America's socially or racially questionable past from which we may learn. Others show an obscure candidate and were printed in rather limited numbers. Postcard evolution from the late 19th-century to the oversize mailers of today can be displayed in one tray. Can you tell we love 'em! Therefore, we're listing a broad selection to pique your interest and show what we mean about how great, diverse and wonderful these relatively affordable political collectibles are. Most of all, have fun with them. Postcards were meant to be FUN.