Rare Benjamin Harrison Presidential Campaign Top Hat Lantern, c.1888-1892, modeled in tin as a top hat, with cotton wick, rotating on tin two armed support, fitted on a later base for display.
Dimensions: 15 x 9 x 6.5 in.
Condition: Good antique condition.
Note: Benjamin Harrison, 23rd U.S President, ran for the office twice, winning in 1888 and losing to Grover Cleveland in 1892. He was the grandson of William Henry Harrison, the 9th U.S. President. The image of the top hat became a symbol of Harrison himself, and top hats came to be known as "Ben Harrison Hats.” A slogan used during the campaign, "Grandfather's Hat Fits Ben Too," was the source of the symbol. Other Harrison campaign materials featured the top hat, including buttons, canes, brooches and other items. The parade lanterns were used by organized groups in evening torchlight parades for political campaigns in the mid-late 19thc.