Presidential logos, buttons, posters have their place in the realm of collectibles and memorabilia. The images associated with the United States Presidents ranging from early photographic images of President Lincoln on campaign buttons—which were actually worn on clothing—to logos suggesting a new era of hope and prosperity relating to President Barack Obama are of interest when it comes to Presidential collectibles. If you find yoursel at the Inauguration ceremonies in Washington DC, all of the programs, tickets, passes, paper flyers, etc. will be of value in years to come.
These images relating to the Presidents and their campaigns and Inaugurations say more than you might think. Collectors have been known to keep, trade, and sell those Presidential objects that convey the image of the American President. In the marketplace, the time period starting at October 31 of an election year through the early November elections until January 20 which is the date of the Inauguration ceremonies is the best time to sell your collection of Presidential collectibles. After this prime market cycle that only comes around once every four years, the next best time to liquidate your collection of Presidential memorabilia is the federal holiday known as President’s Day.
Barack Obama’s campaign imagery says something about history. The 2008 and 2012 campaign images—on buttons and other materials--actually reference some of the most famous campaign buttons in American politics. President Obama’s campaign buttons harkens back to the 1860 and 1864 campaigns of Abraham Lincoln featuring early photographic images of the candidate.
Imagery surrounding Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign and his second term as the President of the United States suggests a devotion to moving forward. The prosperity symbols on Obama’s campaign buttons are obvious including the Americana red, white, and blue color scheme and prominent landscape design. The style of Obama’s button relates to the ideals of 19th Century prosperity—a time of turmoil and plenty. President Obama’s sunrise over the landscape campaign button image not only recalls the broad stripes on the American flag embedded into the fields of the American landscape, but it also conveys graphic design imagery popular in the late 1930s/early 1940s.
In art and design, curves indicate movement and here it is a movement forward over a wide, broad expanse signifying how a significant change may take place over our country. Can’t you just hear Judy Garland singing somewhere over the rainbow?
The “O” form seen on much of the Obama materials from both the 2008 and 2012 campaigns recall President Obama’s monogram and it serves as a unifying symbol. With no beginning or end, the circle suggests the notion of one’s ability to set a goal and to meet it. Hopefully the exuberant imagery of a sunrise over the fields of America suggests history in the making.
Ph.D. art and antiques appraiser, Dr. Lori hosts the TV talk show "Comcast Tonight", antiques appraisal events, and popular antique-themed vacation cruises. Visit DrLoriV.com, Facebook.com/DoctorLori or call (888) 431-1010.
