Pipe, Theodore Roosevelt, 1904

Although the late nineteenth century was the heyday of political pipes, this undated clay pipe featuring a full bust of Theodore Roosevelt was probably made for the election of 1904. In 1901, just six months into his term as vice president, Roosevelt had become president upon the assassination of President William McKinley. As the Republican candidate, Roosevelt ran for a full term in 1904. Roosevelt’s victory over his Democratic challenger Alton Parker was the first time someone who had ascended to the office upon the death of the president won a term in his own right. Socialist candidates Eugene V. Debs also ran in 1904, his second failed attempt to win the White House.