1844 James K. Polk Massachusetts Convention Silk Ribbon – Unusual Printer's Proof Connection

1844 James K. Polk Democratic National Convention Massachusetts Delegation Silk Ribbon Set . An exceptional early presidential convention ribbon produced for members of the Massachusetts delegation attending the Democratic National Convention held in Baltimore in May 1844.

Printed in black on cream-colored silk, the ribbon reads "MASSACHUSETTS DELEGATION. / BALTIMORE CONVENTION. / 1844." At center is an engraved-style vignette depicting a Native American figure standing within a landscape. The simple typography and finely detailed pictorial printing are characteristic of the remarkable political textiles produced during the early decades of American presidential campaigning.

This ribbon has an especially interesting connection to a companion printer's proof are offered here as a set. The paper proof employs essentially the same Massachusetts Delegation/Baltimore Convention design and central vignette, but includes an additional circular decorative marks above the inscription that is absent from this silk example. The differences provide a fascinating glimpse into the development and printing of this very early convention badge.

 Collectors interested in the history and production of early political campaign material may find the two pieces particularly compelling displayed together. To be clear, both the final silk ribbon and the printer's paper proof are included in this listing. 

The 1844 Democratic convention was one of the most consequential nominating conventions of the nineteenth century. Former President Martin Van Buren entered as the leading contender, but after repeated balloting the convention turned to Tennessee's James K. Polk, who received the presidential nomination on the ninth ballot on May 29. George M. Dallas was subsequently selected for vice president.

An unusual survivor from the formative period of American national political conventions and an especially desirable piece of pre-Civil War presidential campaign ephemera. Original, of course.