Description:

Martin Van Buren
Washington, D.C., October 3, 1840
Martin Van Buren Scarce 1840 Campaign Apron
Political Memorabilia

Martin Van Buren (1782-1862). An exceptionally rare 27" x 30" campaign apron in natural colored linen with pleats at top and floral embroidery at edges. A political verse is embroidered in red thread at each bottom corner. The verse at left reads: "Martin Van Buren / The warm and zealous advocate for the peoples rights / October third 1840 / C.E.D." The verse at right reads: "R. M. Johnson / In war the safeguard / in peace the ornament of his country / October third 1840 / C.E.D." Staining and discoloration throughout. Wear to the embroidery includes a few holes and missing threads. Pictured in Theodore Hake's Price Guide to Presidential Americana, Political Buttons: Book III, page 21, item 3006. Previously sold at Heritage Auctions on May 13, 2017 for $2,750.

Van Buren won the presidency in 1836 against divided Whig opponents to become the eighth president of the United States. He lost re-election in 1840, and failed to win the Democratic nomination in 1844. Richard Mentor Johnson (1780-1850) was an American lawyer, military officer and politician who served as the ninth vice president of the United States, serving from 1837 to 1841 under President Van Buren.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 27" x 30"
  • Medium: Political Memorabilia

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January 7, 2026 10:00 AM EST
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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000