At this writing the 2008 Democratic National Convention has just ended and the Republican National Convention is underway. Only time will tell what interesting buttons and badges will leave the convention floors and make their way to collections across the country.

I have just read a recently published book entitled Republican National Convention Ticket Catalog and Price Guide, edited by Edward Krohn. Krohn is a long-time collector and expert in the field of political convention tickets and his latest publication comes just in time for this year’s Republican National Convention being held in St. Paul, Minnesota. The 92 page soft-bound reference guide pictures and lists all known variations for RNC tickets beginning with an extremely scarce 1856 Delegate’s ticket through over 50 ticket variations from the 2004 event. A handy checklist in the back allows collectors to make notations when adding an item to their holdings as well as room to note previously unknown and unlisted varieties. For example, while an 1856 ticket is pictured (and valued at $900) no known examples from Lincoln’s 1860 or 1864 conventions are listed. Time to hit the antique and fleas markets!

One of the reasons many people collect convention tickets is that quest for the rare and unknown. I highly recommend this most helpful guide to anyone collecting, dealing, or just interested in Republican National Convention tickets (undoubtedly a Democratic National Convention ticket book must be soon to arrive). Contact Edward Krohn, Box 357309, Gainesville, FL 32635 to order a copy or for more information.

On to the mailbag:

S.J. of Defiance, OH owns a 1/2" copper colored lapel stud which has an engraved image of 22nd and 24th President Grover Cleveland. Readers probably know that Cleveland was our nation’s only President to be elected, defeated, and then elected again (between 1884 and 1892).

Lapel studs were the forerunners of modern day campaign buttons and are relatively common for candidates between the last part of the 1800’s and early 1900’s. Retail value - $25 - $30.

Speaking of President Cleveland....D.W. of Wheeling, WV owns a fancy brass shell pin-back hanger which is in the shape of a shield under an eagle and has inset cardboard photos of Cleveland and 1892 Vice-Presidential running mate Adlai Stevenson of Illinois.

Condition is always a factor on political items, and is perhaps no more important than in the case of image clarity. With fresh, clear images this approx 2 1/4" high item will sell for around $200.00.

W.H. of Montpelier, VT writes of a 5/8" lithographed steel campaign button, which reads "Cox, Roosevelt." Red, white and blue in color it is in excellent condition. W.H. wonders how desirable it is.

The good news is that practically all 1920 James Cox - Franklin Delano Roosevelt campaign items are very much in demand. The bad news is that W.H. does not have a double picture jugate, which would be worth in excess of $25,000.00!! Even though this is not one of the big money varieties, this tiny campaign relic is still worth around $40.00.

V.S. of West De Moines, IA found a gold colored brooch framed Teddy Roosevelt picture button from his 1904 campaign. The sepia toned button appears to be in excellent condition.

While this reader was hoping that the button was a "Rough Rider" type button, which is usually of more value than average, the absence of Teddy’s trademark western hat or uniform pretty much kills this wish. Average retail value - $30.00

R.T. of Muncie, IN found a General Zachary Taylor for President ribbon recently in a family bible. Approximately 2 1/2" x 5 1/4" in size this silk ribbon pictures Taylor and reads, "About party creeds, let party zealots fight...he can’t be wrong, whose life is in the right."

Taylor items are difficult to find, as most pre-Civil War ribbons which are found are for William Henry Harrison and the 1840 campaign. In great condition this nice find should sell for $300.00.

This column appears regularly in The American Antiquities Journal. I invite readers to write me if they have questions about political buttons or other political items in their possession. A good description accompanied with a photocopy or photo will have the best chance of receiving a response in future columns. Due to time and space limitations, all questions cannot be answered. Please limit your questions to one or two items. A S.A.S.E. will enable me to return your photo\xerox if so desired. Personal replies depend on the volume of mail received. Michael J. McQuillen can be reached by writing him directly at P. O. Box 50022, Indianapolis, Indiana 46250-0022, e-mail: michael@politicalparade.com or at his web-site: www.PoliticalParade.com

Caption: This indefensible guide to Republican Convention tickets has recently been published by long-time collector Ed Krohn.