[FLAGS-POLITICS]. A group of two 36-star parade flags for James G. Blaine. Ca 1884.

Two printed, glazed cotton muslin flags, each approx. 2 1/4 x 4 in., featuring image of James G. Blaine superimposed on stripes, "Blaine" printed below. With 36 stars arranged in double medallion pattern with central star, flanked by two stars in each corner. Offset printing of canton and stripes. Ca 1884.

Provenance: Collection of Jeffrey Kenneth Kohn, MD.

Blaine failed to win the Republican nomination for President in 1876 and 1880 but was successful in gaining his party's nomination in the election of 1884. The former Speaker of the House and Secretary of State in the Garfield and Arthur administrations was a good family man and enjoyed strong support among immigrant groups, but apparently engaged in questionable investment schemes while on the public payroll. The campaign against Grover Cleveland was bitter and focused on each of the candidate's shortcomings. In a closely contested race, Cleveland edged Blaine to gain the Presidency.

Documented in the book, The Stars and Stripes: Fabric of the American Spirit, J. Richard Pierce, LLC, 2005 (p. 51).  

This lot is located in Cincinnati.