Mass Militaria & Antiques

This is a late 1800’s souvenir pin connected to the Spanish American War. The front is made as an American flag but the piece opens on a hinge to reveal the slogan “TO HELL WITH SPAIN! REMEMBER THE MAINE”. These pins, and the like, were sold in large numbers in 1898 during the buildup to war.

  The phrase “Remember the Maine” referred to the destruction of the battleship USS Maine (ACR-1) in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898. At the time, many Americans believed Spain was responsible, largely because of sensational newspaper coverage, even though the actual cause was never definitively proven. The incident became a major propaganda tool and helped push public opinion toward war with Spain.