#49 • Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo 1967 Ambassador and Guest Badges

Part of The Colonel Sanders Artifact Collection (live auction by The Menish Group Auction & Real Estate)

High bid $700.00

Status: Sold

Description Pair of silver-tone badges from the 1967 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, consisting of one "Ambassador" badge and one "Guest" badge. Both feature detailed relief decoration depicting livestock, rodeo, agricultural, and international-themed imagery surrounding the event title and date. The badges remain together as a matched pair and are offered as one lot. Historical Significance The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo has long been one of the largest and most influential livestock exhibitions and rodeo events in the United States. By the 1960s, the event had become an important gathering place for business leaders, agricultural interests, entertainers, and public figures from across the country. Specially designated badges such as these were issued to invited participants, ambassadors, and guests attending the event and served as official identification during the festivities. Story & Context Colonel Harland Sanders frequently traveled throughout the United States promoting Kentucky Fried Chicken and maintaining relationships with franchise operators, civic leaders, and business organizations. These badges likely represent participation in, or attendance at, one of the country's premier public events during the height of the Colonel's national prominence. Their survival alongside other personal effects and memorabilia helps document the wide range of appearances and public engagements associated with Sanders and the Kentucky Fried Chicken organization. Provenance From the preserved collection associated with Colonel Harland Sanders and Claudia Sanders, maintained by the Settle family following their acquisition of Blackwood Hall and the Claudia Sanders Dinner House directly from Colonel and Claudia Sanders in 1974. Condition Light wear, surface scratches, and age-related toning consistent with use and storage. Sold as found.