Ben Franklin's historic/collectible: "The Morals of Chess"...
Item #703113
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, April, 1792 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 which printed the essay which is highly desirab... 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
Congress proclaims an end to the war with England...
Item #700573
April 22, 1783
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 22, 1783
* End of American Revolutionary War w/ Britian
* U.S. Congress formally announces cease-fire
A wonderfully historic issue as page 3 contains the formal document by the United States Congress that put an end to the fighting in the Revolutionary War.
It is officially titled: "By the United States o... 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
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 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 gun battery at the South End is to be greatly enlarged... See More
Testimony of Joseph Galloway against General Howe... Thomas Paine...
Item #693175
November 23, 1779
PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, November 23, 1779
* Loyalist Joseph Galloway
* American Revolutionary War
* Great masthead for display
One-third of the front page has reports from the Penna. General Assembly, with a prefacing note signed in type by Thomas Paine, who was the Clerk of the General Assembly at that time.
There is a similar note signed by Thomas Paine on page 2 as wel... 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
* Rare colonial periodical
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 ... 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
A layout for a colonial town... Canton (Guangzhou), China...
Item #688744
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770 Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it.
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
... See More
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
Plan (print) for a colonial town... Canton (Guangzhou), China...
Item #688743
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770 Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it.
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
... See More
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
Troubles in America... A colonial town plan print...
Item #688742
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770 Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it.
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
... See More
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
An award in Ben Franklin's honor... Indians kidnap several colonists...
Item #688741
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1753 * The Copley medal of the Royal Society
* Benjamin Franklin electricity experiments
Of particular interest is: "Annual Medal of the Royal Society" which has Ben Franklin's name on it. There is related text noting: "...This mark of distinction is double due to Mr. Franklin. It is due to him as a philosopher; it is ... 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
Congress responds to the King's Proclamation that the colonies are in open rebellion...
Item #687385
December 21, 1775
THE NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE or the ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Dec. 21, 1775
* King Charles III of England
* American colonies in rebellion
* U.S. Congress addresses conflict
* American Revolutionary War
Certainly the most historic content is found on page 3, being Congress' response to the King's proclamation of August 23 in which he refused to receive the conc... See More
Likely the most desired masthead from the 18th century...
Item #687194
October 27, 1774
THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY, Or Thomas's Boston Journal, October 27, 1774 It would be difficult to properly place both the scarcity and desirability of this newspaper in the confect of American history. This issue has the famous "Join Or Die" engraving stretching across the masthead.
In the same way that the famous "Dewey Defeats Truman" issue of the Chicago Tribune is com... See More
The French Constitution... Article concerning Ben Franklin...
Item #686814
December 10, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 10, 1791 The entire front page is taken up with the second (of 4) installment of: "The French Constitution Revised, Amended, and Finally Decreed, by the National Assembly".
Page 2 begins with: "Congressional Intelligence" headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle. Also inside is an address: "To Josiah Harmar, Brig. General of the ... 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
George Washington, Ethan Allen, and more...
Item #685950
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1778 * Revolutionary War - Jonathan Trumbull
* Benjamin Franklin - electricity experiments
The first article is a "...Debate...on Enquiry into the State of the Nation..." continued from a previous issue and has much on the Revolutionary War, including: "...that with equal force General Washington could not stand before the Br... 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
Early map of the Caribbean Islands...
Item #683352
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1756 The first two pages are devoted to the "Caribee Islands" [Caribbean] primarily limited to text on Barbadoes.But of greater significance is the great and desirable foldout map labeled: "A Map of the CARIBBEE ISLANDS Shewing which belong to England, France, Spain, Dutch, & Danes...". This map folds out to 8 1/2 by 13 1/2 ... See More
Letter from Ben Franklin criticizing music...
Item #682838
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, July, 1790 The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted in the title/contents page.The issue begins with: "Description of the Falls of Niagara" which takes a full page (lacking the plate called for). But perhaps the most interesting item is: "Criticism on Musick, Letter from Dr. B. Franklin to Mr. P. Fr... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #681728
November 16, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, November 16, 1774 If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead of this newspaper, shows a snake cut into various pieces, each with a
... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #681106
April 14, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 14, 1744
* 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
America is not about to compromise with England...
Item #678064
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 Worshiping o... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #677502
December 07, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, December 7, 1774
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
Poem to Ben Franklin with lightning rod reference...
Item #676541
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1754 * A poem to Benjamin Franklin
* Mention of his lightning rod
Near the back is a half page poem titled: "To Benjamin Franklin, Esq., of Philadelphia, on his Experiments and Discoveries in Electricity" which is dated from "Cooper River, S. Carolina, Sept. 20, 1753".
At the bottom of the poem are two footnotes, one... See More
Letters by Benjamin Franklin...
Item #676179
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, July, 1787, Second Edition (1789) Among the articles are: "Remarks & Facts Relative to the American Paper Money, By Dr. Franklin" "Letter from Dr. Franklin to a Friend, on the Subject of the North East Storms" "Letter from Dr. Franklin to a friend, Containing an Account of a Remarkable Whirlwind" "Letter from Dr. M. to... See More
Ben Franklin and John Jay in Paris...
Item #673670
July 23, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 23, 1782
* Revolutionary War era
* Benjamin Franklin & John Jay
* Treaty of Paris talks
Page 4 has letter No. III of: "A Brief Memorial Upon the American War...", which begins: "The Americans were the first in opening the campaign in 1777. Their army was collected toward the end of May at the camp at Middlebrook..." with a g... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #673309
April 05, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 5, 1775
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead of th
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead of th
Book by Ben Franklin reviewed... Fort Stanwix...
Item #671801
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 review of a book titled: "Political, Miscellaneous, & Philosophical Pieces, Written by Benjamin Franklin...".
Some talk of "American News" near the back, with mention that: "...Fo... See More
Washington crosses the Delaware... Franklin vs. Howe...
Item #670241
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, May, 1777
* General George Washington
* Crosses - crossing the Delaware
The prime content is an excellent letter written & signed by G. Washington dated "Headquarters, New Town, Dec. 26, 1776" which describes his crossing of the Delaware River, reading in part: "I have the pleasure of congratulating you upon the success of
... See More
* General George Washington
* Crosses - crossing the Delaware
The prime content is an excellent letter written & signed by G. Washington dated "Headquarters, New Town, Dec. 26, 1776" which describes his crossing of the Delaware River, reading in part: "I have the pleasure of congratulating you upon the success of
One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #669851
April 03, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, April 3, 1735
* Earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare
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 newspaper in all of the Middle Coloni... See More
Ben Franklin letters...
Item #668878
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, Sept., 1790 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 French Translator of his Works".
The back page has an "... See More
The battle at Peekskill...
Item #659874
May 13, 1777
THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, May 13, 1777 The ftpg. has a brief mention concerning Ben Franklin's efforts in Paris.
Page 2 begins with a report on the Battle at Peekskill, where the British destroyed a magazine of the Americans. This is followed by a letter from Lord Viscount Howe from New York, telling of his work in America.
Page 3 has additional reports from the Revolutionary W... See More
The Great Awakening... Christian revival in New-Londonderry, PA...
Item #653754
May 21, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, Massachusetts, May 21, 1743
* Rare colonial periodical
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... 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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The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #645581
March 10, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, Massachusetts, March 10, 1743,4 (year noted as such as it was 1743 or 1744 depending on which calendar was used).
* Very rare 18th century magazine
* 1st successful magazine in America
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 t... See More
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
Washington Irving tribute... The Geat Eastern...
Item #173014
August 11, 1866
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Aug. 11, 1866 Perhaps the most noteworthy prints are in recognition of Washington Irving, which includes details about his life. Among the related prints are "The Old Dutch Church," of North Tarrytown (current day Sleepy Hollow), which featured prominently in "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."
Other prints include: the front page: 'Review o... See More
Celebrating the success of the Atlantic telegraph cable...
Item #172910
August 12, 1865
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Aug. 12, 1865 The front page shows: 'New Westminster, Capital of British Columbia" as well as: "Terminal Station of Collins's Overland Telegraph, New Westminster, B.C."
Inside has prints captioned: "The Indo-European Telegraph--Landing the Cable in the Mud at Fao, Persian Gulf" "Trial of Mowing Machines...at West Mount Ver... See More
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