Political Delegate Pin

Q: Is there any value to a delegate pin from the 1908 Democratic Convention in Denver? It’s a metal pin with William Jennings Bryan’s picture attached to an American flag ribbon. There is a notation that it’s from Mr. Bryan’s Fairview Farm.

A: Almost all political items are collectible. William Jennings Bryan was the Democratic party’s nominee for president in 1896, 1900 and 1908. Memorabilia from his campaigns is among the most popular with collectors and some items bring high prices. Several different badges were made for delegates to the 1908 Democratic convention. One showing Bryan on the front and Fairview, his home in Lincoln, Nebraska, sold for $75. A ribbon badge with a silver bar pin with the “Delegate” on it at the top at the top and a celluloid button picturing Bryan and ears of corn on a red, white, and blue “flag” ribbon sold for $835 a few years ago. A very rare badge for members of the Lincoln Bryan Club in Lincoln, Nebraska, sold for $2,375 recently.