Thomas Stevens introduced the weaving of colored silk bookmarks and other decorative items in England around 1862. They quickly became an international fad in last half of the century and were made by several firms in the U.S. This one was made by Allen Chesters of Paterson, NJ, and marketed for the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. The bottom reverse has a “patented” and “trademark” stamp indicating it was produced on license from Stevens. On the face an American eagle with a U.S. flag and an “E Pluribus Unum” ribbon overhead surmounts a portrait bust of Lincoln over a scroll with “Emancipation Proclamation” on it and “Abraham Lincoln” at bottom as if a signature. Interestingly, the text printed below it is not from the Emancipation Proclamation, but the Second Inaugural. Its message of national reunification and care for veterans was presumably more marketable than troublesome issues of race raised by the Emancipation. Measuring roughly 2 ½ by 10 3/4 inches, the bookmark in excellent condition with vivid colors and lacks just the small red tassel at the bottom tip. Frame measures 6 5/8" x 14 1/4". [sr]

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