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This collectible glass plate features a reverse print of President McKinley and his wife, manufactured by GH Buek & Co. in 1896. The plate is framed with a chain design and is a perfect addition to any political or historical memorabilia collection. The theme of the plate is politics, with a focus on the United States Presidents & First Ladies category. This rare item is a must-have for any collector or history enthusiast.
- Colored photo in between glass, backed by thin wood or cardboard.
- This RARE piece has been called a reverse painting or a colored flue. It’s a rare piece of Presidential memorabilia .
- These were a specific type of high-end political memorabilia produced around 1896 for William McKinley's presidential campaign. Unlike a standard frame where a photo is placed behind glass, these were manufactured using a specific process that fused the image to the glass itself.
MEASUREMENTS: 10 x 14”
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The Construction:
• The Glass: The "front" is a piece of thick, flat glass.
• The Print: The image (William and Ida McKinley) was actually lithographed or printed directly onto the back of the glass (reverse-printed) or a paper print was professionally adhered to the glass using a clear adhesive like Canada balsam. This gives the image that "built-in" look and a distinctive depth.
• The Backing: To protect the delicate emulsion and provide the color you see in the background, there is usually a layer of colored paper or cardstock (often cream, gold, or silver) pressed against the back.
• The Frame: Instead of a wooden frame, these often featured a crimped metal edge or a simple metal binding that holds the glass and backing together, which is then attached to that signature brass-tone chain.
Why It Was Made:
This specific "Double Portrait" of William and Ida McKinley was a clever piece of campaign PR. By including Ida, the campaign emphasized McKinley’s "devoted husband" image—a major selling point to Victorian voters. These were often sold or given as "premiums" (rewards) for donors or high-level supporters.
