Estes Kefauver Appraisal

Estes Kefauver 'For President' Campaign Button

This is a vintage political campaign button, circular in shape, featuring a white background with red and blue printing. The central image is a stylized, somewhat abstract depiction of a furry animal, likely intended to be a coonskin cap or racoon tail, rendered in shades of blue. Arching above this image is the red text "KEFAUVER", and curved below it, also in red, are the words "FOR PRESIDENT". The lettering appears to be screen-printed or lithographed onto the metal button. The button exhibits signs of age and wear, including some discoloration or yellowing of the white background, and minor surface abrasions consistent with its age. There is a slight patina visible. The edge appears to be crimped, a common construction method for pin-back buttons from the mid-20th century. While specific manufacturing marks are not discernible from the image, the style and content strongly suggest it dates from the 1950s, likely related to Estes Kefauver's presidential campaigns around 1952 or 1956. The use of the coonskin cap imagery was a well-known symbol associated with Kefauver. The overall condition suggests it has been stored, possibly within a collection, given the visibility of what appears to be a clear plastic sleeve or covering over it, suggesting preservation attempts. The craftsmanship is typical for mass-produced campaign memorabilia of the era.