Lot features a printed depiction of "Billy Possum," identified as BILLY at center, cut from what was originally a hot air balloon promoting William H. Taft, approx. 22 x 46 in., framed, 27.75 x 53.75 in. Also included is an original advertisement from The United States / Hot Air Balloons, featuring an illustration of a slightly different "Billy Possum" hot air balloon at center, with Directions for Firing included lower right, 8 in. sq., framed to 8.5 in. sq. William Howard Taft, who was Theodore Roosevelt's preferred Presidential successor in 1908, was a reserved and conservative candidate in contrast with Roosevelt, who was extremely outgoing. Up until 1909, Taft gave political humorists and cartoonists little to work with, but this all changed when he attended a dinner in Georgia where he was served possum. He was quoted on that evening in early 1909 as saying that he was "for possum, first, last, and all the time." This statement took on a life of its own, leading to the birth of "Billy Possum." Cartoonists portrayed Taft as a possum, and the character also appeared on a variety of toys, china, campaign pins and other printed campaign ephemera. Provenance: Jim and Pat Gifford Collection of Political Americana Condition: Possum cut-out very good. Advertisement with soiling, creases, and a few pen scribbles.
Lot features a printed depiction of "Billy Possum," identified as BILLY at center, cut from what was originally a hot air balloon promoting William H. Taft, approx. 22 x 46 in., framed, 27.75 x 53.75 in. Also included is an original advertisement from The United States / Hot Air Balloons, featuring an illustration of a slightly different "Billy Possum" hot air balloon at center, with Directions for Firing included lower right, 8 in. sq., framed to 8.5 in. sq. William Howard Taft, who was Theodore Roosevelt's preferred Presidential successor in 1908, was a reserved and conservative candidate in contrast with Roosevelt, who was extremely outgoing. Up until 1909, Taft gave political humorists and cartoonists little to work with, but this all changed when he attended a dinner in Georgia where he was served possum. He was quoted on that evening in early 1909 as saying that he was "for possum, first, last, and all the time." This statement took on a life of its own, leading to the birth of "Billy Possum." Cartoonists portrayed Taft as a possum, and the character also appeared on a variety of toys, china, campaign pins and other printed campaign ephemera. Provenance: Jim and Pat Gifford Collection of Political Americana Condition: Possum cut-out very good. Advertisement with soiling, creases, and a few pen scribbles.
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