Adlai E. Stevenson III for U.S. Senate '70.
N.p. Royal China (U.S.), [1970]. Porcelain plate, 10" diameter, manufactured by Royal China (U.S.), no place given. Near fine. Item #47789
A charmingly, quite unusual contemporary politics-themed porcelain plate, blue ink against a pale cream plate color. At center is a Bill Mauldin editorial cartoon (measuring 5¼" X 4 /4") that first appeared in the "Chicago Tribune" depicting Stevenson in suite and tie straddling a Democratic donkey, reins in one hand and suitcase (labeled "Adlai Stevenson III") in the other. The title cited above then wraps around this image, while in much smaller print below the cartoon appears "March 4, 1970 / Conrad Hilton International Ballroom" -- the specific event for which this plate was produced as a fundraising devise for a special election conducted in 1970 to fill the unexpired portion of Everett Dirksen's term after "The Great Orator" died in office in 1969. Stevenson has signed in black fineline permanent marker just right of his likeness. Mauldin (1921-2003), best known for his World War Two "Willie and Joe" cartoons, was an old friend of the Stevenson family, and had this plate produced in a very small quantity to aid his friend's Senate campaign effort -- which he did win, and served until 1981. (Mauldin has not signed the plate, although his signature is part of the printed cartoon.) Plate verso bears manufacturer's name and logo in green ink. A most unusual piece of political memorabilia -- while the specific quantity produced is not known or recorded, given the specific nature of its use this number was likely quite low.
Price: $75.00