Ran across some old pins in a wooden box. I know they made a lot of most of em so they’re generally not worth much but thought a few of them were interesting. Ahhh, the good old days of politics! Burnt wooden box
I see a number of 10-20 dollar pins there. I think the one with the most potential is the Sioux Falls Festival pin.
Are you sure they're all genuine to their various eras? Repros of old political campaign pins were popular in the late '60s and early '70s, and we expect there are still plenty in production as retro novelty items.
That Oddfellows (female branch - the Rebekahs) badge from San Francisco 1912 ought to sell well too. Pre-WWI California always does. That McKinley/Hobart star in the upper right is pretty awesome too; he was McKinley's VP before Roosevelt. Hobart died in office if memory serves, and got replaced with Teddy.
Wow. I hadn’t had time to do any research yet. They are definitely old. Right On! Didn’t see a mark but I’ll check again.
Looks like some fairly collectable vintage pinbacks and advertising mirrors in there. Of the political items the McKinley/Hobart metal badge is easily the best item and should be researched further. The McKinley pin is very common but should still be worth $20-30. The Theodore Roosevelt pin next to the Hoover pin is about the same range. The Duffy's Pure Malt Whisky advertising mirror looks really cool and should have some value despite the staining since the subject matter is good. It is perhaps the most promising advertising piece in the lot. The Sioux Falls Festival mirror/pin is should get some interest due to the Indian graphic. The large pin at the bottom with the grouping of people also looks like it has potential and should warrant further research since sometimes these realize strong money.
These are legit. The reproductions are often of very poor quality and can be easily distinguished. One of the first things I do is look at the back of the pinback. Many period pins will have paper labels or at least the remnants of them.
I believe the group photo at the bottom is related to a fraternal organization, due to the cloth around the neck of the man in the middle front. And the pyrography box looks nice and is sellable on its own. Not worth a large amount, but something. You've got some research work ahead of you!
No idea of whether the price is still relevant or not. Little lower than I would have thought. 'McKinley & Hobart / Sound Money / Protection' Jugate Star Badge http://oldpoliticals.com/lot-11923.aspx The Duffy's Pure Malt Whisky advertising mirror appears to be fairly common. Should be able to find good comps on eBay. Probably in the $50 retail range. I can't check currently since I'm at work.
The box is definitely pyrography, has a 1910 date on it. There were quite a few pins that were more “local” in nature that I didn’t photograph. I think I will have some research ahead. I’m not really a “pin person” but I can see how this bug could bite!
