Very rare baseball newspaper from 1886...
Item # 572737Sorry, but this item is no longer available. Please be in touch at info@rarenewspapers.com if you would like to be placed on a want list or are interested in a potential alternate issue.
September 20, 1886
OFFICIAL RECORD, New York, Sept. 20, 1886 This is a volume two issue of a very rare & historically important baseball newspaper, the very first daily sports newspaper dedicated entirely to the national game of professional baseball.
Although the masthead reads: "Official Record" the title at the top of pages 2, 3 & 4 reads: "Official Baseball Record". This issue has a terrific baseball-themed masthead, featuring two crossed bats (barrel handles with 3 painted stripes), a baseball, and a canvas base (see photo).
This issue is replete with baseball news. The front page features an engraving of "Henry F. McCormick" with a front page biographical sketch on him. (see photos). The balance of the front page has "Sparks From the Diamond" being various baseball-related tidbits, as well as the standings for the National and American leagues. Plus a full column headed: "Yesterday's Game" "The Mets Sewed Up" with the box score.
Page 2 has various baseball tidbits headed "Around The Bases" "Diamond Flashes" and "Diamond Waftings" and includes the standings of 4 baseball leagues (see).
Page 3 has a "Special Notice" concerning the printing of this newspaper (see photos) plus a variety of ads including one for: "Baseball At The Polo Grounds" noting the dates of 15 future games.
The bkpg. is entirely filled with ads including a great illustrated ad for: "Buffalo Bill's Wild West...the Only Real Novelty of the Century!" (see).
The rarity of this issue cannot be overemphasized. It is suspected this newspaper lasted for less than 15 months, the very first issue dated July 15, 1885 & the final issue dated Oct. 9, 1886. The first volume saw just 63 issues published, and the second had 150 editions for a total of just 213 issues ever published.
While the first volume was printed on rather high-quality "rag" paper allowing for better preservation, the second volume (1886) was printed on more acidic newsprint resulting in exceedingly few issue remaining to this day as the paper turned brown & fragile rather quickly.
This issue is complete in 4 pages, is browned at the margins, and in rather nice condition. Must be handled carefully due to its fragility.
This issue comes in a protective, acid-free folder for safe keeping. A rare opportunity for any serious baseball collector.
Although the masthead reads: "Official Record" the title at the top of pages 2, 3 & 4 reads: "Official Baseball Record". This issue has a terrific baseball-themed masthead, featuring two crossed bats (barrel handles with 3 painted stripes), a baseball, and a canvas base (see photo).
This issue is replete with baseball news. The front page features an engraving of "Henry F. McCormick" with a front page biographical sketch on him. (see photos). The balance of the front page has "Sparks From the Diamond" being various baseball-related tidbits, as well as the standings for the National and American leagues. Plus a full column headed: "Yesterday's Game" "The Mets Sewed Up" with the box score.
Page 2 has various baseball tidbits headed "Around The Bases" "Diamond Flashes" and "Diamond Waftings" and includes the standings of 4 baseball leagues (see).
Page 3 has a "Special Notice" concerning the printing of this newspaper (see photos) plus a variety of ads including one for: "Baseball At The Polo Grounds" noting the dates of 15 future games.
The bkpg. is entirely filled with ads including a great illustrated ad for: "Buffalo Bill's Wild West...the Only Real Novelty of the Century!" (see).
The rarity of this issue cannot be overemphasized. It is suspected this newspaper lasted for less than 15 months, the very first issue dated July 15, 1885 & the final issue dated Oct. 9, 1886. The first volume saw just 63 issues published, and the second had 150 editions for a total of just 213 issues ever published.
While the first volume was printed on rather high-quality "rag" paper allowing for better preservation, the second volume (1886) was printed on more acidic newsprint resulting in exceedingly few issue remaining to this day as the paper turned brown & fragile rather quickly.
This issue is complete in 4 pages, is browned at the margins, and in rather nice condition. Must be handled carefully due to its fragility.
This issue comes in a protective, acid-free folder for safe keeping. A rare opportunity for any serious baseball collector.
Category: Post-Civil War
