Memorabilia from historical events hold endless value, with every piece telling a story. Antique and vintage political and patriotic memorabilia express pride and heritage and include campaign posters, banners and recruitment advertisements.

World War II posters bring history to life. They celebrate the heroes who fought for their country, as do buttons, flags and banners from this era. Beyond the initial goals of political campaign memorabilia — which served to prominently position candidates in front of voters and amplify a candidate’s platform — vintage campaign prints, posters, buttons and more are interesting relics of another time and place. And like a lot of folk art, these items are imbued with narrative and make for colorful and meaningful additions to shelves and walls.

Find a range of international patriotic items on 1stDibs — banners from the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II are available, as are nesting dolls of the Russian royal family from the 1900s. Each item is a rare treasure, and historic finds like these add meaning to a space. Items promoting women’s right to vote inspire hope. Letters signed by presidents are treasured by admirers.

The range of these works on 1stDibs includes European and American campaign buttons, textiles and flags (and other works in fabric), uniforms and hats. Each piece of antique and vintage political and patriotic memorabilia is a slice of history, making for a unique gift or collector’s item.

A Giant Wedding Cake Has Us Looking at Portuguese Tiles in a New Light

At Waddesdon Manor, artist Joana Vasconcelos has installed a three-tiered patisserie inspired by the narrative tile work of her homeland. We take a look at the cake sculpture and how Portuguese tiles have been used in architecture from the 17th century to today.

Why Jules Chéret Was the King of the Modern Poster

The streets of fin-de-siècle Paris were set aglow with colorful poster ads, thanks to the printing techniques invented by Jules Chéret. Now, the Milwaukee Art Museum is celebrating this undersung talent in America's first solo show dedicated his exuberant works.

Why the American Flag Has Had So Many Different Star Patterns

Expert Jeff Bridgman explains the history and meaning behind the twinkling constellations that have graced Old Glory.

Peggy Guggenheim Loved Modernism, but She Also Collected Tribal Art

The iconoclastic style setter displayed African and Oceanic art, as well as works by indigenous peoples of the Americas, alongside pieces by such major modernists as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock.