ROOSEVELT 1943 OWI SCARCE CELLO PORTRAIT LAPEL BADGE.
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Winning Bid:
$260.90 (Includes 18% Buyer's Premium)
Bids:
3
Bidding Ended:
Tuesday, November 15, 2022 9:00:00 PM (20 Minute Clock Begins At Tuesday, November 15, 2022 9:00:00 PM)
Time Left:
Ended
Auction:
Auction #236 Session I
Value Code:
I - $400 to $700 Help Icon
Item Description
1x1.25" rectangular lapel badge w/folded clasp back. Badge was produced by the Office of War Information (OWI) in 1943 in efforts to rally support for the war effort both at home and abroad. This example has Arabic text and was meant to be distributed to the Arab-speaking world as propaganda for support for the Allies against the Axis powers during WWII. In late 1943, these badges, which featured the portrait of FDR, were condemned by Congressional Republicans, chiefly among them Robert Taft, for allegedly serving as taxpayer-funded campaign materials for Roosevelt's fourth-term run and his purported dictatorship. The director of the OWI dismissed these claims, and argued that whether Republicans liked it or not, FDR was the Commander-in-Chief and perhaps the most recognizable figure and symbol of America abroad. Badge is crisp w/vibrant color and virtually no surface wear. NM.  
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