Compact, Thomas Dewey, 1948

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .

IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.

View manifest View in Mirador Viewer

Object Details

associated person

Dewey, Thomas E.

Description

Compacts are small cases containing a mirror, face powder, and a puff that are designed to fit in women’s purses. They became popular about the same time that women gained the vote in 1920 and within a decade campaign-themed compacts were marketed to this new segment of the electorate. This 1948 compact promoted Republican Thomas Dewey, governor of New York, who was running for president for the second time. He had lost in 1944 to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and lost again in this election to President Harry S. Truman.

Credit Line

Ralph E. Becker Collection of Political Americana

ID Number

PL.227739.1948.X09

catalog number

227739.1948.X09

accession number

227739

Object Name

compact

Physical Description

metal (overall material)

white, black, gold (overall color)

Measurements

overall: 1/2 in x 2 3/4 in; 1.27 cm x 6.985 cm

See more items in

Political History: Political History, Campaign Collection

Government, Politics, and Reform

American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith

Exhibition

American Democracy

Exhibition Location

National Museum of American History

Data Source