c. 1850 Black Crape Mourning Rosette for President Zachary Taylor with Excellent Sharp Engraved Printed Oval Portrait on Black Silk, border reading “GENERAL TAYLOR”, Choice Near Mint.
This rare round mourning rosette measures about 3.5" x 3.25" overall. It is constructed of black silk crape, expertly pleated into a radiating sunburst pattern emanating from the central portrait medallion which a technique requiring skill in producing this period Mourning millinery work. At center is affixed a finely Engraved Oval Portrait, measuring about 1.25" x 1.5" titled, "General Taylor" in a banner above the oval. The portrait itself depicts President Taylor in three-quarter bust view, wearing his military uniform with visible buttons and his epaulette detail. His curly hair and weathered facial features are rendered with considerable engraving skill within a decorative scalloped border reading “GENERAL TAYLOR”. This engraved plate may have served double-duty across both the 1848 Presidential Campaign and the 1850 Mourning periods. There is some trivial old prior mounting residue on the reverse, while the face appears mint fresh and vivid, virtually as made. An extremely rare surviving historic General and President Zachary Taylor mourning item in choice condition.
ZACHARY TAYLOR (1784-1850). 12th President of the United States and celebrated Hero of the Mexican-American War known affectionately to the American public as "Old Rough and Ready." Taylor died suddenly in office on July 9, 1850, after only sixteen months as President. He was taken violently ill following 4th of July ceremonies in Washington, D.C. His unexpected death produced a wave of genuine national mourning. Americans across the country wore black crape rosettes, ribbons, and badges bearing his portrait as a visible expression of grief. Also intensified following the deaths of Presidents Harrison in 1841 and now Taylor.

Mourning rosettes of this type, fashioned from pleated black silk crape with a Portrait Medallion affixed at center. They were worn pinned to the lapel or breast at public memorial observances and funeral processions that were held in cities and towns throughout the nation during the summer of 1850.
[Antebellum Period, Election of 1848, 19th Century America] [Zachary Taylor, Mourning and Memorial Customs, Presidential History] [Textiles, Ribbons, Political Ephemera]