August 2011 — Artifact of the Month

(Previous) Artifacts of the Month Index

Uncle Sam Souvenir Pin Manufactured During the Spanish American War (1898)

This artifact is a pin that was discovered in 2011 in the village of Finland in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It was found in a midden deposit during archaeological investigations performed for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Route 4033 Bridge Replacement Project. The midden deposit is believed to have been created by the infilling of a nineteenth century mill race.

The pin features the national personification of the U.S.A. known as ‘Uncle Sam’ and was manufactured during the time of the Spanish American War. Pins of this same design were made in several sizes in both brass and white metal finishes, and some had red and blue enameling. An example of a similar pin with a brass finish and enameling is pictured here with its original card. The image of Uncle Sam going off to war was a common symbol on a wide variety of war related pins and other patriotic materials.

The Spanish American War was fought between the United States and Spain. The United State declared war on Spain April 25, 1898. At the time, the cause of the war was viewed by many as a reaction to Spain’s “cruel” rule in Cuba and was in support of Cuban Independence. Recent scholarship supports the contention of a small number of individuals of the time — that war fever was stoked by the media’s “yellow journalism” and was an effort to expand the boundaries of American influence and territory. The war was short, ending on August 12, 1898. The United States acquired Puerto Rico, Guam and the Philippines as a result of the conflict.

The Uncle Sam pin was recovered with at least six other examples. The large number of pins suggests that the midden where the pin was found is related to a nearby store, which had discarded excess stock. The short duration of the war left many retailers with patriotic souvenirs that were no longer marketable.

Submitted by PAF Member Kenneth J. Basalik, Ph.D.


by