Political
John Quincy Adams Memorial Black Rosette Silk Ribbon
1848, John Quincy Adams Silk Memorial Ribbon, with Original attached Black Rosette, Sold by Edward P. Whaites, Sullivan-Fischer JQA-M1, page 91, Choice Very Fine.
Sullivan-Fischer JQA-M1, p. 91. This white Silk Memorial Ribbon for John Quincy Adams measures about 5.5" x 2.25". A rarely encountered Black Rosette has been pinned to the top of the ribbon followed by the caption: "John Quincy Adams, Born in Massachusetts, July 11, 1767, Died in the Capitol in Washington Feb. 23, 1848, Aged 81 years [sic]." A large oval Bust of John Quincy Adams is the center of the ribbon, closely simulating an engraving that would have been done at the time. Under his Portrait are stanzas which read:
"In his public character / He was of untiring industry and unbending integrity, In his private character / He was generous and of exceeding good nature: He loved his country with a sincerity. Which seemed to distinguish him from all mankind. His fame is so blended within the hearts of his Countrymen that it will live when all the frail monuments of art shall have crumbled into dust."
Overall, in choice condition save for some minor prior mounting tape residue in the bottom text and at upper left. With original Black Silk Rosette and Ribbon have full printed designs and clear text. This ribbon is extremely rare. We sold a slightly nicer example, also with a black rosette, in our EAHA Auction of October 2005 lot 890 for $566. Worth more, now a decade and a half later.