Presidential antiques frontrunners in Americana auction July 10

NEW YORK – Two campaign flags from the 1900 presidential election, one picturing William Jennings Bryan and running mate Adlai Stevenson, the other promoting William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt, are among the top lots in an Americana and folk art auction to be conducted on Tuesday, July 10, by Jasper52. Absentee and Internet live bidding is available through LiveAuctioneers.

The 1900 presidential campaign was a rematch between President McKinley, a Republican from Ohio, and Bryan, a Democrat from Nebraska. Buoyed by the recent victory in the Spanish-American war and a recovered economy, McKinley won the electoral vote 292-155 and the popular vote by nearly a million votes. Both flags measure 6¼ inches by 13 inches and are in fine condition. The Bryan/Stevenson flag (above) is printed slightly off register. Each banner is estimated to bring $1,800-$2,000.

A rare printed textile in the Jasper52 auction depicts President Zachary Taylor, “Old Rough-and-Ready,” as commander of the Army of the Rio Grande. The general is depicted seated on his horse, Whitey, and writing with his right hand while his left arm is stretched upward. The scene is based on a description in Justin Smith’s book, War with Mexico, that describes the calmness of Taylor at Palo Alto, on May 8, 1846, directing his troops to “Keep a bright lookout for them” (Mexican troops). The piece of fabric, which has rough edges, is approximately 23½ inches by 15 inches and is suitable for framing (est. $1,000-$1,200).

Bear Paw has been a popular patchwork quilt pattern since the 19th century. A mid-20th-century example in the auction measures just 36 by 36½ inches, hand-stitched in purple and green. The crib-size textile is archivally mounted and framed (est. $900-$1,000).

An early 20th-century weather vane that depicts a horse-drawn coach measures 23 5/8 inches high by 24 inches. The iron silhouette form has its original painted surface, which is lightly oxidized, and is mounted on an iron stand (est. $900-$1,000).

“Cash paid for old gold” is the main message on a large 1890s pawn broker’s trade sign, which is canvas stretched over board in the original frame. Found in western New York, the sign measures 41 by 25 inches (est. $1,500-$1,800).

Having the highest estimate ($4,000-$4,500) in the Jasper52 Americana and folk art auction is a collection of six carved wood flagpole toppers. One depicts an American eagle perched atop a spear; another is a star. All six stand on handmade wooden bases.

The auction will begin Tuesday, June 10, at 7 p.m. Eastern Time.