One of the earliest appearances...
Ben Franklin's historic/collectible essay: "The morals of Chess"...
Item #716072
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1787 * Benjamin Franklin - Morals of Chess
* re. U.S. Constitution - George Washington
The most notable content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals Of Chess, By Dr. Franklin of Philadelphia", which takes nearly two pages. The article begins: "The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement; several very valuable q... See More
A Ben Franklin newspaper with the earliest mention of G. Washington we have found in an American newspaper? Death of Ben Franklin's brother...
Item #710763
February 12, 1756
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 12, 1756
* Rare Benjamin Franklin publication
* Early Colonel George Washington
* French and Indian War officer
A fine Ben Franklin issue from the French & Indian War period, which includes what we believe is the earliest mention of George Washington we have found in an American newspaper. He was a colonel in the Virginia militia at th... See More
One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #710010
May 15, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, May 15, 1735
* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication
As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first newspa... See More
A eulogy on the life of Ben Franklin...
Item #705464
May 19, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 19, 1790 The entire front page and most of page 2 are taken up with lengthy & very detailed discussion on: "Congress - House of Representatives" on the report of the Secretary of the Treasury.
Page 2 has two-thirds of a column headed: "Notices Of Dr. Franklin" which reads like a eulogy on him, having died just the previous ... See More
1856 - "Men and Times of the Revolution; Or, Memoirs of Elkanah Watson"...
Item #705302
January 01, 1839
Book: "Men and Times of the Revolution; Or, Memoirs of Elkanah Watson", 1856
The full title is: "Men and times of the revolution; or, Memoirs of Elkanah Watson, including journals of travels in Europe and America, from 1777 to 1842, with his correspondence with public men and reminiscences and incidents of the revolution.", by Elkanah Watson, edited by his son, Winslow C. Wa... See More
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The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #704881
March 10, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), March 10, 1743,4 (year noted as such as it was 1743 or 1744 depending on which calendar was used).
This was the very first successful magazine in America, preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of t... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #704880
May 07, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 7, 1743 This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short y... See More
A rare, patriotic, satirical ballad written by Benjamin Franklin... Great on the British evacuating Boston...
Item #704673
March 30, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, March 30, 1776 The front page begins with a wonderful letter beginning; "The Ministry have boasted much of their regular, their disciplined troops, which they fancied capable of beating all the irregulars in the world. One would wonder how men of any attention to what has passed, could deceive themselves into such an opinion when so many fact... See More
Death of Ben Franklin...
Item #704390
April 24, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 24, 1790
* Benjamin Franklin death (1ST REPORT)
Our records indicate it has been over 12 years since we have been able to offer a newspaper with some report on the death or funeral of Ben Franklin. Such issues have been very elusive.
The back page has a very notable--and early--report headed datelined at "Philadelphia, April 20, 1790... See More
One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #704194
April 03, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, April 3, 1735
* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication
As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first news... See More
A Franklin newspaper with French & Indian War reports...
Item #704105
May 19, 1757
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, May 19, 1757 A quite early colonial newspaper published by none other than the world famous Benjamin Franklin, although the "advertising leaf" which appeared with this issue, and upon which was the imprint of "B. Franklin", is not here as it was typically not bound with the issue since it carried only ads.
Page 3 has some French &a... See More
Georgetown to be the nation's capital?
Item #703549
THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, October, 1790 The issue begins with the continued: "History of the Life & Character of Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D." which takes 6 pages & includes 4 letters signed by him in type from 1753 & 1754: B. Franklin.Other articles include: "On the Invention of Porcelain in Europe" "Thoughts on Educatio... See More
With the desired Ben Franklin imprint...
Item #703537
July 19, 1753
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 19, 1753
* Most famous of newspapers
* Benjamin Franklin (very rare)
In the imprint at the bottom of the back page is the much desired Benjamin Franklin imprint, noted as: "Printed By B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL at the New Printing Office, near the Market". Franklin would later dissolve his involvement with this news... See More
Unrest among the nations along the Mississippi River... Ben Franklin...
Item #703437
November 04, 1791
THE WORLD, London, Nov. 4, 1791 Page 2 has a brief item: "Greater jealousies than ever subsist between the French, Spanish, and American Colonies on the banks of the Mississippi; each party complains of the encroachments of the other, although each has more ground than they can possibly occupy."
The top of page 3 has an: "Anecdote of Dr. Franklin".
Four pages, a few min... See More
Ben Franklin's historic/collectible: "The Morals of Chess"...
Item #703113
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, April, 1792 * Benjamin Franklin - morals of chess
By far the most significant content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals of Chess. By Dr. Franklin", which takes 2 1/2 pages. Note: This essay was first printed in the Columbian Magazine in the Dec. 1786 issue. Regardless, this contemporary printing is among the few publications whi... See More
Ben Franklin creates a medal honoring the end of the Revolutionary War...
Item #702586
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1783 Near the beginning are 15 pages of: "Summary Proceedings in the Third Session of the Present Parliament" which include some discussions concerning America. Another article concerns the tune Yankee Doodle, particularly details on the presumed author of the famous tune (questionable) who had recently died. It notes: "Your readers, &a... See More
Nice, detailed letter from Dr. Benjamin Rush...
Item #702244
April 23, 1787
THE MORNING CHRONICLE & LONDON ADVERTISER, England, April 23, 1787
* Founding father Dr. Benjamin Rush letter
* Declaration of Independence signer
Page 2 features a full column that includes a letter from Benjamin Rush, a Founding Father and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The letter was sent to Dr. Richard Price in the UK, a political reformer active in the cause of... See More
Washington responds to Congress' reaction to his annual address... On the death of Ben Franklin...
Item #701539
December 25, 1790
THE COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 25, 1790
* President George Washington
* re. State of the Union Address
* United States Congress reaction
* re. death of Benjamin Franklin
The front page begins with the Senate's response to Washington's state-of-the-union address, followed by his response signed in script type: George Washington. This is then followed by the House of Re... See More
Ben Franklin appointed agent...
Item #701189
December 19, 1771
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 19, 1771
* Benjamin Franklin appointed agent
* Pennsylvania Assembly in London
Page 4 begins with a report headed "America" from Philadelphia noting in part: "...Benjamin Franklin, Esq., is appointed Agent for this province at the Court of Great Britain, for the ensuing year."
Other news of the day, mostly European, plus a... See More
Political observations by Benjamin Franklin...
Item #697976
September 04, 1759
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, September 4, 1759
* "Political Aphorisms...", by Benjamin Franklin (?)
The first and a portion of the second column on page 7 has "Political Aphorisms concerning Population", signed "F", which has recently been attributed to Ben Franklin (see Swann Auctions for more information).
Another London Chronicle from 10 days later,... See More
Very lengthy letter by Ben Franklin... British generals say America cannot be conquered...
Item #697886
September 09, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 9, 1779
* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
* Lengthy letter from Benjamin Franklin
A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
The entire front page and a bit of the back page are taken up with a very lengthy: &quo... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #697762
May 07, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 7, 1743
* Very rare 18th century magazine
* 1st successful magazine in America
This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of iss... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #697098
April 30, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 30, 1743 This was the very first successful magazine in America, preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great Britain & America", th... See More
Broadside "Extra" of the Pennsylvania Gazette...
Item #694986
May 17, 1771
POSTSCRIPT EXTRAORDINARY to the PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE....Philadelphia, May 17, 1771
* Very rare "extra" edition broadside
* Pre-Revolutionary War America
A very handsome broadside (printed on one side only) "Extra" edition of the famous newspapers, owned by Ben Franklin during the previous decade.
The reports are news items from London brought over in the ships L... See More
Single sheet "Supplement" to the Pennsylvania Gazette...
Item #694917
August 03, 1769
SUPPLEMENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, No. 2119 (Philadelphia, Aug. 3, 1769)
* Rare colonial publication
This "Supplement" issue came with the Aug. 3, 1769 (date not printed here) issue of the Gazette but has since been separated. As was typically the purpose of Supplement issues, this single sheet is entirely taken up with advertisements that could not fit in the reg... See More
Very early from Maryland: the French & Indian War... Money owned to Ben Franklin...
Item #694150
March 13, 1755
THE MARYLAND GAZETTE, Annapolis, March 13, 1755
* Very rare & early American publication
A very scarce and early newspaper from the early period of the French & Indian War. Rarely are we able to offer Maryland newspapers from such an early year.
Page 2 has a report from Halifax, Nova Scotia, that: "...they are building two new batteries upon the beach...That the three gu... See More
Closing events of the Revolutionary War...
Item #690374
April 29, 1783
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, April 29, 1783
* American Revolutionary War - closing events
The front page has some reports concerning the negotiations for a treaty of peace to end the Revolutionary War. Also reports headed: "America" which carry over to page 2 concerning various events in America, one bit noting: "...In January last, Col. Willet, with about 600 men... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #690181
April 28, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 28, 1744 This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short ... See More
Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America...
Item #689565
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1790 * Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the nice, attached fold-out map: "A Map showing the communication of the Lakes and the Rivers between Lake Superior and Slave Lake in North America."
The map shows the extreme western parts of Lake Superior and "Hud... See More
Marriage of Ben Franklin's daughter... Colonists distressed by duties..
Item #687574
January 19, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, January 19, 1768 Page 2 has a letter from Pittsburgh mentioning: "It is feared here that an Indian war will break out in the Spring...on an act of hostility committed by a party of Indians on their return to their settlements among the six nations, from an unsuccessful war in which they had been engaged with the Cherokees...they plundered & murdered ten of... 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
America is not about to compromise with England...
Item #686556
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778 * No compromise w/ England
* American Revolutionary War
Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" which includes reference to Ben Franklin. Also: "On the ... See More
Book by Ben Franklin reviewed... Fort Stanwix...
Item #686477
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1779 Near the back is a brief review of a book titled: "Political, Miscellaneous, & Philosophical Pieces, Written by Benjamin Franklin...".Some talk of "American News" near the back, with mention that: "...Fort Stanwix was surprized & taken by Sir John Johnson...at the head of 1500 loyalists & Indian warri... See More
Book by Ben Franklin reviewed... Fort Stanwix...
Item #685856
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1779 * Ben Franklin's book is reviewed (brief)
* Fort Stanwix report
* Captain Cook's ships observed?
Near the back is a brief review of a book titled: "Political, Miscellaneous, & Philosophical Pieces, Written by Benjamin Franklin...".
Some talk of "American News" near the back, with mention that: "...F... See More
Washington's third state-of-the-union address... Ben Franklin...
Item #685647
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, November, 1791 * President George Washington
* State of the Union Address
* re. Benjamin Franklin's death
The most notable content is the lengthy & historic state-of-the-union address of President Washington, which takes nearly 3 pages, headed: "Speech of the President of the United States to Both Houses of Congress" and is ... See More
John Hancock... Completion of the Cape Henry lighthouse...
Item #685507
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, December, 1792 The issue begins with: "An Account of the Pennsylvanian Hospital" which takes 2 pages. This was the famous Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia founded in part by Ben Franklin. It is considered the "Nation's First Hospital" about which much is written on the internet.The article includes: "...the distress of t... See More
Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America...
Item #675444
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1790 Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the nice, attached fold-out map: "A Map showing the communication of the Lakes and the Rivers between Lake Superior and Slave Lake in North America."The map shows the extreme western parts of Lake Superior and "Hudson's Bay", "Lake Winiping (now Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba)... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #674800
March 31, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, March 31, 1744 This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short ... See More
Ben Franklin to return home?
Item #674413
November 01, 1783
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 1, 1783
* Benjamin Franklin
The back page has a short but very notable item: "A letter from Paris says that Dr. Franklin is sent for to America, in order to have his advice in making a code of laws for the better government of the United States; and that Mr. Laurens, jun. is to reside at Paris in quality of their Ambassador until some othe... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #673423
April 09, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 9, 1743 This was the very first successful magazine in America, preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great Britain & America", thi... See More
Two letters written by Ben Franklin... A slave petitions for freedom...
Item #670619
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, October, 1790 Articles include: "Remarks on Capital Punishment" "Sketch of the Nature & Causes of Diseases" "Short Account of Mr. McGillivray" who was the famous chief of the Creek Indians; "On the Architecture of America" "Letter from Dr. Franklin to a Lady in France".Most of a page is taken up with: ... See More
Ben Franklin letters...
Item #670618
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, Sept., 1790 * Benjamin Franklin letters
* Dangerous lightning deaths
A nice issue with a full title/contents page with an embellishment at the top.
Included within are two item by Ben Franklin: "Letter on the Death of Persons Struck with Lightning--by Dr. Franklin" and "Extracts of Letters form Dr. Franklin to Monsieur Dubourg, the ... See More
The Great Awakening... Christian revival in New-Londonderry, PA...
Item #653754
May 21, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 21, 1743 This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short ... See More
Battle of Savannah... Captain Cook...
Item #653341
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1780 * Siege of Savannah - Georgia
* Benjamin Lincoln letter
* Captain James Cook - South Seas
Near the back is a section headed: "Advices Received from America" which includes: "Gen. Lincoln's Letter to Congress on the defeat of the combined Army before Georgia" with a dateline of Charleston, Oct. 22, 1779. This... See More
Nice Harper's Weekly group, just after the Civil War...
Item #649309
(5) HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, a lot of five issues from just after the Civil War. Dates are August 12, August 19, September 23, November 11, and December 2, 1865. A wealth of great prints including: 'New Westminster, Capital of British Columbia'. Halfpg: 'Trial of Mowing Machines' & 'The Richmond Election--the Polling at the 1st Market House'. Nice doublepage cente... See More
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On Ben Franklin's will... Northwest coast of America...
Item #638619
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1790 Included is: "Remarks on the Slave Trade Occasioned by Bruce's Travels". Near the back is a brief bit noting: "The common council at Paris paid to the illustrious Franklyn [Franklin] tribute of homage, singular in its nature but due from a free & enlightened city to the memory of a man who gave libert... See More
Final items regarding the Revolutionary War...
Item #617546
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1782 The issue begins with 8 pages of "Proceedings In Parliament", the first 3 of which have much concerning America with mention of an exchange of prisoners, Mr. Laurens, Ben Franklin, Lord Cornwallis, General Burgoyne, and more.Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" with the latest news reports of the day, including men... See More
America is not about to compromise with England...
Item #615582
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778 Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" includes reference to Ben Franklin; "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East" , and more.The most significant c... See More
Prelude to the Revolutionary War...
Item #569699
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 28, 1774 Most of the front page is a report headed: "The Journal of a Voyage...for making Discoveries towards the North Pole by the Hon. Commodore Phipps..." (see for beginning). A full column on pg. 2 has reports from Boston (see) concerning strained relationships with England, and mentioning Ben Franklin (see). This is followed by a lette... See More
Ben Franklin on learning to swim... Holt Castle print...
Item #217171
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, January, 1779 Inside has nearly two pages on: "Useful Hints For Learning To Swim, In a Letter to a Friend, by Benj. Franklin, L.L.D. F.R.S."Also within: "On the Fatal Effects of Revenge" and: "On Female Conduct" & so much more. Near the back are news reports of the day but I see no war-related content.
This issue does feature... See More
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