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Theodore Roosevelt "The American's Creed" Printed Paddle Fan, Early 20th Century

Offered by: The Great Republic

Description
Presented is a patriotic printed paddle fan, with an image of Theodore Roosevelt giving a speech in front of a laurel wreath and patriotic bunting. Above him is the printed text of “The American’s Creed.” “The American’s Creed” was written by William Tyler Page in 1917 as an entry into a patriotic contest. Selected as a winner from more than 3000 entries, it was accepted by the United States House of Representatives on April 3, 1918. The back of the fan features an advertisement for Roosevelt Savings Bank in Brooklyn, New York, promising “Freedom For Life.” The fan is attached to its original wooden stick.

From the beginning of the 19th Century, fans commemorated national events, such as centennials, statehoods, inaugurations, or the birthdays of public figures. Americans who had imported European fans from the late 1600s to the mid-1800s, joined the fan-making fray soon after the Civil War and made-in-America fans began to acquire a following by 1867. Concurrently, advances in 19th Century printing technology brought the elaborately-designed, gilded, and illustrated fans within reach of the masses. Lithographed and printed fans imitated hand-drawn and hand-painted versions of earlier eras. Advertising fans also became popular promotional gimmicks that peaked at the turn of the century. These fans remained popular until the 1940s.

CONDITION:

Good condition overall. Paddle board fan, attached to original wooden stick. Printed in color on a stiff paper board. The front has light discoloration and foxing, surface wear to Roosevelt’s mouth. Copyright of Underwood & Underwood” printed in the bottom right corner of front. A 2” tear along the bottom center, near the edge of the stick. Stamped with “Mastai Collection” along the left side margin.

The verso features an advertisement for the “Roosevelt Savings Bank” in Brooklyn, New York. Printed with maker “Brown & Bigelow, St. Paul Minn.” The back has some scattered spotting. It is stamped with a red ink “Mastai Collection” stamp and the handwritten collection number “No. 31R” in blue ballpoint ink.

Presented on the original wooden stick. Archivally framed in a custom black wooden frame with UV glass.

Framed Dimensions: 21 3/8" H x 16 1/8" W x 1 1/2" D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.

More Information

Period:	1900-1919
Condition:	Good.
Styles / Movements:	Modern
Incollect Reference #:	781998

Dimensions

W.	16.125 in;	H.	21.375 in;	D.	1.5 in;
W.	40.96 cm;	H.	54.29 cm;	D.	3.81 cm;

Message from Seller:

Established in 2010, The Great Republic specializes in one-of-a-kind collectibles that honor American history, with a special focus on the rare and unique. Our collection is complete with rarities that are sure to wow, such as first edition books, antique hand-sewn flags from the Civil War, vintage travel posters, and original signatures from American presidents, such as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, just to name a few. P: 719.471.6157 E: headquarters@great-republic.com