1844 Henry Clay and George Washington Native American Nativist Endorsement Presidential Campaign Portrait Piece. DeWitt HC 1844-56B. Pewter Rim. 56 mm. Choice Extremely Fine.With original suspension loop. Obv: Rare Lithographic portrait of Henry Clay to half left, HENRY CLAY below. Rev: Lithographic portrait of President Washington, GEORGE WASHINGTON below. These prints are under the original period glass, and set within the finely crafted looped pewter frame. These early 19th century campaign portrait miniatures of U.S. presidential candidates are the prized Pewter-Rims of the hobby. They are among the most elegant and coveted political items, and are always prized centerpieces of the most advanced collections. This one draws a not-so-subtle comparison between the Kentucky senator and the Father of our Country. Clays expected political victory turned out to be elusive as he lost in a surprise upset to the first dark horse candidate in U.S. presidential election history, James K. Polk. Some minor moisture toning can be found on both sides of the print, otherwise this piece is nearly as made. This important, historic political Pewter-Rim has perfect glass, a bright lustrous frame, and tremendous eye appeal.We have seen other types with mirrors on one side, or having portraits of the Vice Presidential Candidate Theodore Frelinghuysen. The portrait of George Washington indicates the endorsement of Henry Clay by the Nativists, a political party that would later become known as the Know-Nothing Party. The Nativist Party was a political force to be reckoned with in 1844. They endorsed the candidacy of Henry Clay that year. Washingtons portrait appears on practically all of the Nativist political ribbons issued at that time in American history. A similar example recently sold at public auction in February 2018 for $2,060.
