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Up for sale is a fantastic piece of original, turn-of-the-century American history: an 1898–1899 Spanish-American War era celluloid pinback button featuring President William McKinley and Admiral George Dewey.
Titled \"Our Leaders,\" this patriotic button celebrates Dewey\'s naval victories (\"In War\") alongside McKinley\'s executive leadership (\"In Peace\"), separated by a beautifully detailed bald eagle and American flags. It retains its original red, white, and blue ribbon hanger—a great bonus that makes this piece stand out to collectors.
Historical Provenance:This specific button is believed to have been distributed at the famous October 12, 1899 homecoming and reunion of the 13th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. The 13th Minnesota was the only Minnesota regiment to see overseas combat during the Spanish-American War, fighting directly in Admiral Dewey\'s theater of operations at the Battle of Manila. When the regiment finally returned home to St. Paul/Minneapolis in October 1899, they were greeted by massive crowds and personally reviewed by President William McKinley himself—making a button featuring both McKinley and Dewey the perfect commemorative piece for that exact historical event.
Item Specifics:
Era: 1899 (Spanish-American War / Philippine-American War)
Subjects: President William McKinley & Admiral George Dewey
Associated Unit: 13th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry
Type: Celluloid Pinback Button with original silk ribbon hanger
Slogan: \"Our Leaders, In War, In Peace\"
Size: The button is approximately 1 1/4 inches (32mm) in diameter.
Please refer to the Condition Description and examine all photos prior to purchasing.
