1908 Republican National Convention Delegate Badge

This is an original delegate badge from the 1908 Republican National Convention held in Chicago, where William Howard Taft was nominated for President. The badge is constructed of die-struck brass or bronze with a gold-tone finish. It features an elaborate top pin-back bar depicting two eagles flanking a representation of the U.S. Capitol dome. Suspended by two short chains is a secondary shield-shaped medallion. A curved banner at the top of this lower medallion reads 'DELEGATE'. In the center of the shield is a circular dark blue cloisonné or enamel insert with white lettering stating 'NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONVENTION - CHICAGO JUNE 1908'. Behind the metal components is a bi-color red and white vertical striped silk ribbon. The metalwork shows fine detail in the feathers and architectural elements, indicative of high-quality early 20th-century political memorabilia. Condition-wise, the metal displays a natural aged patina with some minor tarnish in the crevices. The silk ribbon shows significant fraying and wear along the bottom edge and some minor fading, which is typical for organic materials of this age. The enamel center appears intact without major chipping or cracking.