The Best of the Best
The Best of the Best
Perhaps the best publication for any baseball collector...
Item #671463
November 28, 1867
THE BALL PLAYERS' CHRONICLE, New York, Nov. 28, 1867
* Very rare baseball publication
* Henry Chadwick "Father of Baseball"
A very rare & desired title by any baseball collection as this was the first magazine in America devoted primarily to baseball.
Edited by the legendary Henry Chadwick, this paper lasted but 30 issues, from June 6 thru December 26, 1867 before c... See More
Washington's historic Farewell orders to the military..
Item #671571
January 06, 1784
THE EDINBURGH ADVRTISER, Scotland, Jan. 6, 1784
* General George Washington
* Farewell address to his Army
Certainly the most notable & historic content is the full text printing of: "General Washington's Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States", a very historic & notable document datelined: "Rocky Hill, near Princetown, Nov. 2, 1783." It ta... See More
The first convention of clubs: the birth of organized baseball...
Item #675237
January 31, 1857
PORTER'S SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, January 31, 1857
* Birth of organized baseball
* First convention of clubs
A rather famous sporting newspaper, with a sporting-themed masthead, calling itself: "A Chronicle of the Turf, Field Sports, Literature and the Stage". This is the vol. 1 number 11 issue.
The page 13 report could be considered the birth of organized basebal... See More
Perhaps the best publication for any baseball collector...
Item #682466
September 26, 1867
THE BALL PLAYERS' CHRONICLE, New York, Sept. 26, 1867
* Very rare baseball publication
* Henry Chadwick "Father of Baseball"
A very rare & desired title by any baseball collector as this was the first magazine in America devoted primarily to baseball.
Edited by the legendary Henry Chadwick, this paper lasted but 30 issues, from June 6 thru December 26, 1867 before c... See More
Exceedingly rare Napoleon occupation newspaper...
Item #672273
January 05, 1811
COURRIER D'AMSTERDAM or the COURIER VAN AMSTERDAM, January 5, 1811 (No. 5)
* Exceedingly rare Napoleon Bonaparte occupation newspaper
This was a daily newspaper published in Amsterdam during the French occupation of Holland. It is bilingual: half printed in French and half in Dutch. Two mastheads as well, one in each language.
In 1810 Napoleon Bonaparte annexed Holland to his empi... See More
Lincoln's assassination: John Wilkes Booth on the front page...
Item #681342
April 29, 1865
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, April 29, 1865
* Famous Abraham Lincoln assassination issue
* The same issue (title and date) found in the time capsule under the (former) statue of Robert E. Lee on Dec. 28, 2021
The front page has a large and dramatic illustration of "J. Wilkes Booth" plus a lengthy article headed: 'The Murder Of The President' making this a nice display is... See More
On George Washington's death & funeral... Front page report of his death...
Item #698070
January 08, 1800
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL & MASSACHUSETTS FEDERALIST, Boston, Jan. 8, 1800 The front page has a nice account headed: "Washington's Last Illness" which begins: "Some time in the night of Friday, the 10th instant, having been exposed to a rain on the proceeding day, General Washington was attacked with an inflammatory affection of the upper part of the wind pipe..." with m... See More
Revolutionary War events in the South...
Item #689555
November 06, 1779
THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Nov. 6, 1779
* American Revolutionary War
* Southern events - Georgia & more
Most of the first column is taken up with the details of a non-exportation act by the state of Rhode Island, similar to that enacted by Massachusetts & Connecticut. Included are the penalties for those found guilty. Also an act for: "...... See More
Letter from Patrick Henry, and much on the Revolutionary War...
Item #684429
June 09, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, June 9, 1779
* Patrick Henry letter signed in type
* Much on the Revolutionary War
Pages 2 and 3 contain a wealth of reporting on the Revolutionary War including a letter from Charleston noting in part: "The campaign in George and the Southern part of this state between the royal army commanded by Brigadier General P... See More
California becomes a state... Key acts in the Compromise of 1850...
Item #682815
September 12, 1850
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Sept. 12, 1850
* California joins the Union (statehood)
* From the nation's capital
Not only does page 3 contain the official Act of Congress creating California as a state, the report is in the newspaper which was the unofficial voice of the government in any matters political.
Page 3 has: "An Act for the Admission of the State of C... See More
Washington involved in a plan to exchange prisoners...
Item #687346
May 27, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 27, 1779
* American Revolutionary War
* General George Washington
* Exchange of prisoners talks
The front page begins with two detailed reward ads for deserted soldiers.
One-third of the front page and over one-third of page 2 are taken up with the: "Report of Commissioners for Settling a Cartel for the Excha... See More
Unique "Yankee" & "Confederate" pair of the same date...
Item #696643
July 22, 1861
Here is a unique opportunity for a pair of issues--one Yankee and the other Confederate--of the identical date of July 22, 1861 both reporting on the First Battle of Bull Run, one from the New York Tribune and the other from the Confederate capital of Richmond, titled the Daily Dispatch, providing a perspective of how the news was reported with all the "spin" & biases that ... See More
Washington agrees to help establish a military force... Much on the end of the war...
Item #687373
September 18, 1783
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 18, 1783
* General George Washington
* United States military force
* Revolutionary War ending events
A nice feature of the masthead is a great engraving taken after one done earlier by Paul Revere, showing a patriot soldier with a sword in one hand and a scroll reading "Independence" in the other.
The... See More
Nice headlines on Lincoln's first election...
Item #691442
November 08, 1860
THE LITCHFIELD ENQUIRER, Connecticut, Nov. 8, 1860
* Abraham Lincoln elected president
* America about to change
Page 2 begins with one of the nicest stack of column heads on Lincoln's first election we have seen. They included: "VICTORY ! VICTORY !! " "Great Republican Victory!" " 'Old Abe' the Next President!!" "Secession And Fusion Simmered... See More
The King addressses Parliament on the dire situation in America...
Item #687287
February 23, 1782
THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE and GENERAL ADVERTISER, Portsmouth, Feb. 23, 1782
* Rare publication during Revolutionary War
This is certainly one of the less common titles from the Revolutionary War era.
Page 2 has a letter that notes in part: "...the Americans might yet be brought back to a constitutional subordination to this country!...". Also: "The troops destined for t... See More
Handsome, patriotic newspaper with war-related reports...
Item #687350
March 13, 1780
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, March 13, 1780
* One of the more patriotic mastheads from the Revolutionary War
The masthead includes one of the more patriotic engravings of the Revolutionary War, described by the motto just under the dateline: "All Hands With One Inflamed, Enlightened Heart" showing 13 arms--one for each colony--joined by holding a... See More
Rare & lengthy account of Joseph Smith running for President...
Item #684969
June 08, 1844
NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, June 8, 1844
* Joseph Smith running for U.S. president
* Mormons - Mormonism - Latter-Day Saints
It is not known by many today that Joseph Smith, leader of the Latter-Day Saints, ran for president of the United States in 1844.
After several years of harassment and persecution in Missouri and Illinois, Smith wrote to five men expected to be can... See More
Early American title from the French & Indian War...
Item #702912
May 13, 1762
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER AND NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE, May 13, 1762
* Rare Colonial Massachusetts
* St. Augustine, Florida
This is a much later issue of America's first successful newspaper, founded in 1704.
The top of the ftpg. has a nice recruiting advertisements to enlist soldiers to fight in the on-going French & Indian War: "For Recruiting His Majesty's Regular Forc... See More
Great content on the Revolutionary War... Brandywine Creek... Chesapeake Bay....
Item #687422
February 14, 1778
THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE and COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Feb. 14, 1778
* American Revolutionary War
* Battle of Brandywine & more
Almost the entire front page is taken up with a report on the treatment of American captures by the British, with considerable detail.
It begins: "The following is an account of the treatment that the Continental officers, taken in the... See More
Rare and early title from Honolulu...
Item #702904
February 22, 1845
THE POLYNESIAN, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands, Feb. 22, 1845
* Very rare 19th century Hawaiian publication
One of the earliest newspapers we have offered from Hawaii, and fourteen years earlier than the few of this title we offered in recent years.
The "first series" of this title existed for just 1 1/2 years from 1840 to 1841. It proved unprofitable and was shut down. Th... See More
A different title from Tombstone, Arizona...
Item #673127
August 23, 1889
TOMBSTONE PROSPECTOR, Arizona, Aug. 23, 1889
* Very rare Western publication
* Gunfight at the O.K. Corral fame
We have had a few other newspapers from the iconic Old West town of Tombstone, but this is just the 2nd time we have seen this title. The masthead features a great engraving of a miner on a mule.
Various mining-related items as well as regional & national news reports. ... See More
Terrific Honolulu newspaper, one day after Pearl Harbor...
Item #698121
December 08, 1941
THE HONOLULU ADVERTISER, Hawaii, Dec. 8, 1941 Fully one-third of the newspaper, above the masthead, is taken up with a dramatic three line banner headline: "SABOTEURS LAND HERE ! Britain, Australia Declare War ! " with various related subheads as well including: "Raiders Return In Dawn Attack". The only front page photo shows is of the: "Carnage in King Street&... See More
First report: Lincoln's assassination...
Item #690672
April 20, 1865
THE JOURNAL & COURIER, Little Falls, New York, April 20, 1865
* Abraham Lincoln assassination (1st report)
* Ford's Theater - John Wilkes Booth
Being a weekly newspaper this issue has the first report of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. All columns on all pages have wide, black mourning rules.
The front page has: "The Great Calamity" which is an essay on Lincol... See More
Colonies wish to declare themselves "free and independent"...
Item #702905
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1776 * American Independence
* John Hancock (1776)
It is rare to find newspapers or magazines with the magical date of "July, 1776". Here is one.
The first article is: "Debate on the American Restraining Bill" with has much interesting reading and takes six pages. There are also 3 pages of text on events in America, includin... See More
Nice broadside on President Garfield's condition...
Item #695782
August 28, 1881
THE CHRONICLE--EXTRA, Sunday, August 28, 1881
* President James A. Garfield
A great, narrow slip of paper which is a broadside (printed on one side only) extra edition of this newspaper (no city or state are noted), created to announce good news concerning the recently assassinated President James Garfield".
Printed in one-column format the headlines at the top of the broadside ... See More
George Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #686710
November 14, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1792
* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address
Taking over half of the front page and concluding on page two where it is signed in script type: G. Washington, is President George Washington's "Speech to Both Houses of Congress".
This was his annual state-of-the-union address, a tradition which he initiated in 1790 a... See More
Beautiful masthead... On the Battle of Eutaw Springs...
Item #682666
December 29, 1781
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, December 29, 1781
* Rare 18th century American publication
* Great masthead engraving for display
I have always thought this newspaper has one of the finest masthead, featuring an uncommonly large engraving with an Indian and an angel on either side of the "Journal", plus a 3-masted ship & other embellis... See More
On George Washington's death & funeral... Front page report of his death...
Item #697210
January 08, 1800
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL & MASSACHUSETTS FEDERALIST, Boston, Jan. 8, 1800
* George Washington death and funeral
The front page has a nice account headed: "Washington's Last Illness" which begins: "Some time in the night of Friday, the 10th instant, having been exposed to a rain on the proceeding day, General Washington was attacked with an inflammatory affection of the... See More
Rare and early title from Honolulu...
Item #668089
March 29, 1845
THE POLYNESIAN, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands, March 29, 1845
* Very rare 19th century Hawaiian publication
One of the earliest newspapers we have offered from Hawaii, and fourteen years earlier than the few of this title we offered in recent years.
The "first series" of this title existed for just 1 1/2 years from 1840 to 1841. It proved unprofitable and was shut down. T... See More
From Houston during the Civil War...
Item #690808
April 10, 1865
THE HOUSTON TRI-WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, April 10, 1865
* Very rare issue from the Southwest Confederacy
* Last days of the American Civil War
Newspapers from Texas are very uncommon, particularly from before or during the Civil War period.
Here is an issue from two days after Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, containing three dispatches about the Union assault ... See More
Chicago 'Black Sox': the entire 1919 World Series....
Item #697216
October 02, 1919
NEW YORK TIMES, a complete set of all 8 games of the infamous 1919 Major League Baseball World Series between the Chicago White Sox and the Cincinnati Reds, to become known as the "Black Sox" series due to the alleged corruption of the White Sox team to throw the series.
This set has dates October 2 through 10, a consecutive run of nine issues.
October 2: ftpg. column heads: "
... See More
This set has dates October 2 through 10, a consecutive run of nine issues.
October 2: ftpg. column heads: "
The famous "irrepressible conflict" speech...
Item #683605
November 13, 1858
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Nov. 13, 1858
* William H. Seward on slavery
* Irrepressible Conflict speech
Nearly three columns on page 2 are taken up with the: "Speech Of Mr. Seward, of New York, delivered at a political meeting held in Rochester on the 25th of October, 1858".
This speech, although harmful to his political career, put the slavery issue on... See More
A fine & decorative issue from the Revolutionary War...
Item #689458
November 11, 1780
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, Nov. 11, 1780
* Revolutionary War
* Great masthead
Over half of the front page is a: "Message from the President & Supreme Executive Council to the Representatives of...Pennsylvania" in which are addressed many issues.
A few bits include: "...when our enemies, forsaking in no small degree the efforts of open and manly force, b... See More
End of war reports... Proclamation signed by John Hanson, the first President?
Item #694963
November 05, 1782
THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR, THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, Nov. 5, 1782
* Revolutionary War ending events
* John Hanson - 1st American president ?
Page 2 has a lengthy letter which is reflective of the American-British relationship in the past. A few bits include: "...they have not duly considered the solid reasons and unanswerable arguments of the worthy, upright pe... See More
Establishing the coins of the United States...
Item #698076
August 31, 1786
THE NEW-HAVEN GAZETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, Aug. 31, 1786 (year in Roman numerals) One page has "American Intelligence" which praises the attributes of Alexandria, and another page notes: "...Our Academy flourishes: about 100 scholars, twenty of which are educated on the Bounty of General WASHINGTON, are already received into it, although it has not been opened ... See More
Terrific issue on the Hindenburg tragedy...
Item #698116
May 07, 1937
SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER--EXTRA, May 7, 1937 One of the very best, dramatic banner headlines we have offered on this historic catastrophe: "DIRIGIBLE HINDENBURG EXPLODES, 90 KILLED". A large front page photo shows the Hindenburg over the New York skyline, headed: "Giant Airliner That Fell in Flames", with the subhead noting: Airship Falls At Lakehurst".
This is one of... See More
Lincoln formalizes Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday...
Item #680752
October 05, 1863
NEW YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, October 5, 1863
* President Abraham Lincoln proclamation
* America's national day of Thanksgiving begins
Although almost every President since George Washington has issued a proclamation for a "day of thanksgiving", typically celebrated in November but at other times of the year as well, it was Abraham Lincoln who formalized Thanksgiving Day to be... See More
Battle of Green Spring... Great reports on the Revolutionary War...
Item #698072
August 14, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, August 14, 1781 The front page has news from captured correspondence including: "The revolt of the Pennsylvania line & Jersey brigade...are certainly events of very great importance, & must have very extensive effects both in reducing Washington's present force & preventing its being recruited by new levies...... See More
From Texas during the Civil War...
Item #696937
September 23, 1864
GALVESTON TRI-WEEKLY NEWS, Texas, Sept. 23, 1864
* Very rare issue from the Southwest Confederacy
Although the title notes "Galveston" the dateline notes it was printed in nearby Houston, as it is likely moving a bit more inland offered greater security from the Yankee forces.
Confederate newspapers from Texas are very uncommon particularly from before or during the Civil Wa... See More
Reference to the 1666 Great Fire of London...
Item #698066
October 04, 1666
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Oct. 4, 1666 One of the greatest calamities and more notable events to strike London in its long history is the Great Fire which destroyed much of the city in September, 1666. Finding period references to it are exceedingly difficult, as the number of newspapers publishing in 1666 was extremely small, this title certainly being the most significant.
Page 2... See More
Abraham Lincoln's last public speech & last proclamation...
Item #688028
April 12, 1865
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, April 12, 1865
* Civil War is over speech
* Abraham Lincoln's last public speech
* Presidential proclamation 128
* Just 2 days before his assassination
The front page has one column heads including: "RECONSTRUCTION" "Important Speech by the President" "His Views On Peace & Reconstruction" with the text of his speech beginning:... See More
Jim Thorpe at the 1912 Olympics...
Item #695620
July 19, 1912
VALLEY SENTINEL, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, July 19, 1912
* Jim Thorpe wins Olympic gold medal
* Decathlon - Stockholm Summer Olympic
* Best publication to be had (very rare)
Although legendary athlete Jim Thorpe was born & grew up in Oklahoma, he has very close ties with the city of Carlisle. It was in 1904 when Thorpe attended the Carlisle Indian Industrial School that his incredi... See More
Beginning of the Australian Gold Rush: New South Wales would be changed forever...
Item #691164
September 19, 1851
THE TIMES, London, Sept. 19, 1851
* First Australian gold rush
* Colony of New South Wales
Page 4 has over two columns taken up with an excellent article concerning the New South Wales Gold Rush in Australia.
The gold rush began a bit earlier in 1851. This period in the history of New South Wales resulted in a rapid growth in the population and significant boost to the economy of the... See More
Reference to the 1666 Great Fire of London...
Item #679631
October 04, 1666
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Oct. 4, 1666
* The great plague
* London fire report
One of the greatest calamities and more notable events to strike London in its long history is the Great Fire which destroyed much of the city in September, 1666.
Finding period references to it are exceedingly difficult, as the number of newspapers publishing in 1666 was extremely small, this tit... See More
Lincoln's inauguration...
Item #697916
March 18, 1865
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 18, 1865 The entire front page is taken up with a very nice engraving captioned: "President Lincoln Taking the Oath At His Second Inauguration, March 4, 1865" showing just that. A great display issue as such.
An inside page has an article: "The President's Inaugural" which includes the text of his second inaugural address, which i... See More
Lengthy on Abraham Lincoln and his 'Spot Resolutions" in Congress...
Item #692512
December 22, 1847
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 22, 1847
* Early Abraham Lincoln
* Spot Resolutions in Congress
Page 2 has an uncommonly lengthy report from [Abraham] Lincoln in the House of Representatives. This was his "spot resolution" and speech condemning the reasons for starting the Mexican War. He requests proof from President Polk that American blood wa
... See More
* Early Abraham Lincoln
* Spot Resolutions in Congress
Page 2 has an uncommonly lengthy report from [Abraham] Lincoln in the House of Representatives. This was his "spot resolution" and speech condemning the reasons for starting the Mexican War. He requests proof from President Polk that American blood wa
Official newspaper of the American Anti-Slavery Society... Celebrating the 13th Amendment...
Item #694654
February 18, 1865
NATIONAL ANTI-SLAVERY STANDARD, New York, Feb. 18, 1865
* 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
* Slavery banned - Emancipation of slaves
* Rare Anti-slavery publication
* American Civil War era
This newspaper was the official weekly newspaper of the American Anti-Slavery Society, established in 1840 & was published continuously until the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendme... See More
President Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #686595
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, December, 1790 * President George Washington
* 2nd State of the Union Address
Certainly the most notable content is the 1 1/2 pages taken up with: "President Washington's Speech" which was his second state-of-the-union address, signed by him in type: George Washington.
The balance of the issue is taken up with a wide range... See More
Perhaps the best graphic Lincoln newspaper to be had...
Item #689046
March 09, 1861
FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, New York, March 9, 1861
* Perhaps the best graphic Lincoln newspaper to be had...
The front page has text on: "Our Portrait of the President" which relates to the terrific double page centerfold captioned: "Portrait of Abraham Lincoln, President elect of the United States of America, With Scenes & Incidents in His Life."
The larg... See More
John Wilkes Booth appears at Ford's Theater...
Item #689534
November 05, 1863
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Nov. 5, 1863
* John Wilkes Booth as an actor
* Rare appearance at Ford's Theatre
A terrific issue with one of the more ironic twists of history, and only to be found in a newspaper from Washington, D.C.
Near the top of the front page is an article headed: "Ford's New Theatre--The Lady of Lyons". The writer reports on t... See More
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