Q: I have a silk handkerchief that was made in 1904 to commemorate the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. The flowers around the edge are hand-embroidered. As you can see, there is a brown spot on one corner. Is there any value to this piece of history?A: Several different handkerchiefs were made as souvenirs of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Most picture President Theodore Roosevelt, a fairground building, or some other central decoration. President Roosevelt attended the ceremony that dedicated the buildings on the fairgrounds in April 1903. He opened the fair on April 30, 1904, by touching a gold and ivory key on a telegraph machine in the White House. Your handkerchief picturing Roosevelt would appeal to collectors of either political items or World's Fair memorabilia. The needlework flowers and cutwork designs vary on the commemorative handkerchief. Those with more intricate cutwork sell for higher prices. Unfortunately, the brown spot in the corner lowers the value of your handkerchief. Value - $100 to $150.
3 comments:
A great organization and website dedicated to the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair can be found at www.1904world'sfairsociety.org. This organization, founded in 1986, provides a lot of information via its newsletter & meetings as well as some great links for more in-depth information. Pay it a visit!
Soak it in cold water and Oxi Clean overnight and wash by hand with mild soap or plain water. Should take care of the brown spot.
I have nine World's Fair beer cans from the 1982 Knoxville, TN fair. All are different colors and all are full of beer except one. Any ideas on their value if any?
Post a Comment