Nixon’s the charm

A charm bracelet is most often given as a gift to a young woman on an important birthday or life event, followed up with subsequent presents of individual charms, such as a locket with space for a photograph of a loved one. It is fitting then, that such a traditional piece of jewellery might be found amongst Republican Richard M. Nixon’s electoral merchandise, given that his 1960 campaign sought to emphasise the value of his experience over the youthful Democrat, John F. Kennedy.

Charm bracelet, Richard M. Nixon (Republican), 1960. Philip & Rosamund Davies US Elections Campaigns Archive. MSS Amer. s. 33 / 55. Vere Harmsworth Library (Rothermere American Institute), Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford.