Price
$125.00
Condition
used
Product Condition
Very fine
Size
2' x 7"
An attractive and historically significant original silk ribbon from the great Sound Money Parade held in New York City during William McKinley's successful 1896 presidential campaign.
The cream-colored ribbon features gold lettering reading:
SOUND MONEY PARADE.
FRANK LESLIE'S POPULAR MONTHLY.
NEW YORK CITY, 1896.
A small attached American flag ribbon bow decorates the upper portion, with gold-colored woven trim at the top and delicate silk fringe along the bottom.
The ribbon commemorates one of the most remarkable political demonstrations of the 1896 presidential election. On October 31, 1896, an estimated 150,000 marchers filled the streets of New York City in support of sound money and the gold standard, a central issue in the contest between Republican William McKinley and Democrat William Jennings Bryan.
The inscription identifying Frank Leslie's Popular Monthly is particularly interesting. The prominent New York illustrated magazine was part of the publishing empire established by Frank Leslie. Its identification on this ribbon suggests participation by representatives of the publication in the enormous political demonstration.
Although McKinley's name does not appear on the ribbon, the Sound Money movement was closely associated with his presidential campaign, which opposed Bryan's advocacy of free silver.
An appealing example of 19th-century political memorabilia, combining presidential campaign history, the great gold-versus-silver monetary debate, and the influence of American publishing.
The ribbon displays age-related toning, minor fabric wear, and some irregularities to the decorative bow and fringe, but retains attractive gold lettering and a pleasing overall appearance. Original, of course
The October 31, 1896 Sound Money Parade in New York City attracted an estimated 150,000 marchers just days before William McKinley's election. Supporting the gold standard against William Jennings Bryan's free-silver movement, the enormous demonstration illustrated the political influence of business and commercial interests during one of America's most contentious monetary debates.
$125.00
used
Very fine
2' x 7"