BROWNSVILLE BUTTON PAIR PICTURING FORAKER AND DISCHARGED BLACK SOLDIERS.
Bidding has ended for this item.
Thank you for visiting our past auction results. If you have an identical (or similar) to this auction item, please call or contact us to discuss. We look forward to speaking with you.
Winning Bid:
$115.00
(Includes 15% Buyer's Premium)
Bidding Ended:
Tuesday, November 15, 2016 10:00:00 PM (20 Minute Clock Begins At Tuesday, November 15, 2016 10:00:00 PM)
Item Description
1.25" each. First pictures Ohio Republican Senator Joseph Foraker likely issued for this 1908 Presidential nomination hopeful attempt. Second depicts four black soldiers w/"Discharged Without Honor" at center and "Remember Brownsville" around rim. Both have light brown staining throughout and second has a network of surface cracks. Good. "Brownsville" refers to a 1906 event in Texas in which African American soldiers of the 25th US Infantry were accused of rioting and subsequently, discharged "Without Honor" by President Theodore Roosevelt. Many people who previously applauded Roosevelt's civil rights policies were shocked and this controversy moved to the national stage. The Constitution League, a civil rights organization, particularly specified the lack of due process accorded the soldiers. In the forefront of those seeking redress was Senator Foraker, a nemesis of Roosevelt and an aspiring 1908 presidential hopeful. While the 1908 nomination went to Taft, Foraker managed to keep the issue in public attention over the next several years. It took until 1972 for the discharged soldiers to win justice. The Nixon administration awarded honorable discharges and the sole surviving veteran at the time received a $25,000 pension. Rare and historic. Ted Watts Collection.
Pictures (click images to zoom in)
Review your bid and press the Confirm Your Bid button below. Important: By confirming your bid, you are agreeing to purchase the item listed below if you are the winning bidder.
You haven't placed any bids.
