Political Collectible Terms Used In The Hobby
Common terms used in the Americana Political Collectible Memorabilia hobby that you would want to know! Also more information available to make this hobby more enjoyable. From campaign buttons to other types of collectable paraphernalia, this site will try to give you some basic information to make the hobby more enjoyable.
People that get into the Political Collectibles hobby tend to be history buffs. Maybe they start off helping in a particular campaign, or are just generally interested in the political process. Like any hobby it will help to know a little bit about the hobby’s “language”. Below are some general term used by collectors:
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3-D Item: These are typically objects like statuettes, bobble-head noddlers, lanterns, etc just to name a few.
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Brummagem: This refers to a fake item or fantasy item.
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Cause Item: Items for movements like Women’s Suffrage, Civil Rights, Gay Rights, and the 1960’s Anti-War Peace movement are some examples of cause items.
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Celluloid Button: These are often referred to as “cellos”. These buttons have the design printed on paper. The design is then covered by a mylar piece of clear plastic. This is then crimped around an edge of metal to lock the pieces together.
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Clasp Back Button: This is reference to the back of the button. Also called Pin backs (pin back is also a general term for any button), this type also has a “safety pin” type feature that protects someone from being stuck. Some consider it also less likely to fall off of someone’s clothing while being worn.
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Flashers: These items you can tilt one way and get an image. When tilted in the opposite direction another picture will be displayed. Sometimes often referred to as Lenticular.
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Fobs: In the days when pocket watches were common, these were attached at the end of the watchstrap.
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Foxing: This is a term in reference to celluloid buttons. Due to the design and if lack of care causes the metal behind the paper to start rusting, this will cause a redness to show thorough the paper, hence the item is “foxed”.
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Jugate: This item has a picture of two candidates (EX: Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates).
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Litho Button: Litho buttons have the design printed directly on the metal. These type buttons are cheaper to produce and also scratch easier since there is nothing protecting the printed surface.
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Mottling: A reference to celluloid buttons, especially white ones, where it is not rust, but the paper shows patches of white/off-white shades.
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Stick Pin Button: Also another reference to the back, this is a straight pin. Generally this is more commonly seen on lithos or less expensively made buttons.
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Tab: A tab is where the design is printed directly onto the metal and at the top will be a “tab” that can be bent over. The item was generally worn on the shirt pocket.
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Trigate: Picture of three people.
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