Paper parade lantern promoting Ulysses Grant for president and Henry Wilson for vice president, 1872. Paper, cardboard, tin, wire. Within purple starred bands, woodcut portrait of Grant in Civil War uniform; opposite, the legend, GRANT/ &/ WILSON, in blue block printing. Accordion construction, which collapses flat and opens when hung from the wire (weight of candle, not included, extends it fully). Minor age, but fully intact and way above average for these fragile lanterns, with original candle holder and hanger present. Auction comps in the $800-1000 range.
A great piece of Americana, from a campaign for which there is little surviving paraphernalia.
Note: To display the lantern, place a light balanced weight in the base and attach hanger to a hook. To illuminate, we recommend a small LED light or fake candle, which can also double as the weight.
