The Best of the Best
The Best of the Best
The earliest newspaper from Illinois we have offered...
Item #715066
June 05, 1819
EDWARDSVILLE SPECTATOR, Illinois, June 5, 1819
* VERY rare publication
* Madison County, Illinois
This is the earliest newspaper from Illinois we have offered. Not only that, it is eleven years earlier than the previous earliest newspaper from this state. And it is the volume 1, number 2 issue. Keep in mind that Illinois just became a state six months previous.
It is notable that the... See More
Chief Justice Taney on the Dred Scot Decision...
Item #690761
March 09, 1857
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, March 9, 1857
* Historic Dred Scott Decision
* Famous former slave case
Page 5 has nearly 2 1/2 columns taken up with a report on the historic Dred Scott Decision, a landmark decision of the Supreme Court in which the Court held that the Constitution was not meant to include American citizenship for black people, regardless of whether they were enslaved or free,... See More
First Corvette rolls off the assembly line... In a Detroit newspaper...
Item #704761
July 01, 1953
DETROIT NEWS, Michigan, July 1, 1953
* Chevy Corvette begins production
* In a Detroit publication (historic)
Page 53 has a two line, two column headline: "Plastic Corvette Begins To Roll" & above this head in smaller type: "Production Line Starts". The report begins: "Chevrolet's first production model Corvette, a sports with a plastic laminated fibe... See More
Very dramatic on the Hindenburg disaster...
Item #682381
May 07, 1937
THE SEATTLE DAILY TIMES--EXTRA, Washington, May 7, 1937
* Hindenburg airship disaster
* Lakehurst NJ New Jersey
* Nice photos for display
One of the more dramatic issues on the Hindenburg tragedy.
Above the masthead is: "SABOTAGE HINT IN ZEP BLAST ! " with a huge and very dramatic photo headed: "THE HINDENBURG IN FLAMES". The ftpg. subhead: "30 Dead Or Missi... See More
From the fabled Old West town of Tombstone... Deputy Sheriff Earp...
Item #684212
November 18, 1880
THE DAILY NUGGET, Tombstone, Pima County, Arizona, November 18, 1880
* Gunfight at the O.K. Corral fame
* Rare Wyatt Earp mention
This may well be the consummate "Old West town" much romanticized in movies and television shows, perhaps most famous for the gunfight at the OK Corral involving Wyatt Earp and the Clanton gang.
This rare issue was printed less than a year before... See More
Very rare & early news pamphlet from Amsterdam...
Item #698014
August 01, 1632
Dutch newsletter/pamphlet from Amsterdam, August, 1632
* Very rare 17th century publication
* Siege - capture of Maastricht
* Dutch journalist & printer Broer Jansz
A very rare news pamphlet by the famed early Broer Jansz, one of the most prolific newsmen of the 17th century. Included with this item is an extensive biography of him and his work.
Included also is a translation o... See More
George Washington at age 22... Great map of America...
Item #694072
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, July, 1754
* Great American colonies mid-18th century map
* Future general & president George Washington
Inside has the continuation of an Account of the Encroachments made by the French on the British Settlements in America. In the account are the various measures taken by the British to prevent the encroachments, incl
... See More
* Great American colonies mid-18th century map
* Future general & president George Washington
Inside has the continuation of an Account of the Encroachments made by the French on the British Settlements in America. In the account are the various measures taken by the British to prevent the encroachments, incl
The first full-fledged Broadway musical...
Item #650753
September 13, 1866
NEW YORK TIMES, September 11, 12 & 13, 1866 A terrific and very historic trio of newspapers relating to the first theatrical musical, "The Black Crook".
As Wikipedia notes: "Its significance is being considered the first piece of musical theater that conforms to the modern notion of a "book musical". The book is by Charles M. Barras, an American playwright. The ... See More
Formally creating the Territory of Washington...
Item #685771
March 08, 1853
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 8, 1853
* Creation of Washington Territory
* United States Congress passes
Being the "mouthpiece of the federal government", typically this newspaper was the first to report notable political reports and developments So it is no surprise that nearly half of the front page is taken up with the Act of Congress creating th... See More
Rare San Francisco print from 1849...
Item #703840
September 01, 1849
NEW-YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, Aug. 29, 1849 The front page of this issue features a terrific engraving headed: "A View Of The Town And Harbor Of San Francisco." The engraving is five columns wide and measures 7 by 11 5/8 inches. In addition to the engraving are several reports "From The Gold Region".
The reports include: "Beach Combers--Inspectors--Land Speculators--Goods... 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 Emancipation Proclamation... In a pro-South newspaper...
Item #704713
September 24, 1862
THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 24, 1862
* Emancipation Proclamation
* President Abraham Lincoln
* Rare pro-Confederate publication
Given the focus of this controversial newspaper, being supportive of the Southern cause while publishing in the North, it is particularly noteworthy that this issue contains on page five the Emancipation Proclamation whereby President Lincoln would fr... See More
Much on the tensions between England & the American colonies...
Item #687205
March 17, 1775
THE NEW HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE & HISTORICAL CHRONICLE, Portsmouth, March 17, 1775
* Rare colonial America publication
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions w/ England
Although all American newspapers from the colonial era are quite scarce, this title is even more so.
The front page has a letter concerning bearing arms, followed by a letter noting: "An artful piece has been handed abou... See More
Paul Revere engraving... Hutchinson Letters Affair...
Item #701412
September 27, 1770
THE BOSTON GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Sept. 27, 1773 The patriotic engraving in the masthead was done by none other than Paul Revere, showing the caged dove of peace being set free over the skyline of Boston by the symbol of liberty.
Over half of the front page is taken up with a lengthy letter: "To The Earl of Dartmouth" who was Secretary of State for the colonies, with mu
... See More
First report on the assassination of Lincoln...
Item #701929
April 20, 1865
CHARLESTON COURIER, South Carolina, April 20, 1865
* Abraham Lincoln assassination (historic 1st report)
* From the origin of the American Civil War (rare)
Keep in mind that Charleston fell to Union forces on February 18 and after that date was in Union control. So this is the volume 1, number 47 issue in the "new series" as noted.
Availability of paper must still have been... See More
On the Battle of Guilford Court House...
Item #696922
April 24, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 24, 1781
* Battle of Guilford Courthouse
* Greensboro, North Carolina
* General Charles Cornwallis loss
Page 2 has some nice war content. The 2nd column begins with: "By accounts from General Greene's army as late as the 24th ultimo, we learn that Lord Cornwallis is retreating towards Cross Creek and that o... See More
The slave ship...
Item #172368
June 02, 1860
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 2, 1860 The prime print in this issue is the three-quarter page illustration captioned: "The Slave Deck on the Bark 'Wildfire' Brought Into Key West on April 30, 1860." This print shows a huge number of slaves crammed on the deck. The balance of the page is related text on this slave ship, plus the facing page has additional text and 4 re... See More
The slave ship...
Item #683378
June 02, 1860
HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 2, 1860
* Likely the most sought after slave ship print
* Much text re: slave ships - black americana interest
The prime print in this issue is the three-quarter page illustration captioned: "The Slave Deck on the Bark 'Wildfire' Brought Into Key West on April 30, 1860." This print shows a huge number of slaves crammed on the deck.... See More
An ad for the O.K. Corral... In a Tombstone newspaper...
Item #692358
April 30, 1886
THE DAILY TOMBSTONE, Pima County, Arizona, April 30, '86 (1886)
* Gunfight at the O.K. Corral fame
* Rare advertisement of the famed livery stable
This may well be the consummate "Old West town" much romanticized in movies and television shows, perhaps most famous for the gunfight at the OK Corral involving Wyatt Earp and the Clanton gang. I would almost suggest that this titl... See More
Texas becomes a state: a same day report...
Item #689613
December 29, 1845
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 29, 1845
* Texas statehood - joins the union
* Early, same day report from seat of government
History tells us that on December 29, 1845, Texas became the 28th state in the United States. Formerly part of Mexico, Texas had been an independent country since 1836.
Page 2, under the heading "Texas", is half a column reporti... See More
Much news from the Revolutionary War...
Item #704210
September 28, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Sept. 28, 1776
* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)
This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
The front page has an ad for the desertion of two soldiers from military ser... See More
A "call to arms" for Londoners in support of America
Item #692362
September 27, 1775
THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Sept. 27, 1775
* American Revolutionary War
The front page has some reports on the actions of Major Rogers in Maryland & Virginia. Also mention of work of the Virginia Provincial Convention. Plus a report of a soldier: "...who\ is on his parole in Gen. Wooster's camp. This person having been observed to follow at a distance, a load of po... See More
Wealth of discussion in Parliament on the worthiness of the Revolutionary War...
Item #703269
January 25, 1776
THE NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE O ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Jan. 25, 1776 The entire front page and almost half of page 2 are taken up with reports from the House of Commons, much of the discussion relating to the war with the American colonies. One bit notes in part: "...England was never engaged in a contest of such importance to our most valuable concerns and possessions. We... See More
Dramatic issue on the San Francisco earthquake...
Item #715070
April 18, 1906
OAKLAND HERALD--3:30 Edition, April 18, 1906
* 1906 San Francisco earthquake
* Early 1st report on same day it happened
A quite rare newspaper, as not only is this not the more famous (and more common) San Francisco CALL-CHRONICLE-EXAMINER newspaper of April 19 but it is a day earlier yet equally as dramatic. Remember that Oakland is just across the bay from San Francisco.
The bold, ... See More
Capture of Ethan Allen, and so much more...
Item #701119
November 24, 1775
NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Nov. 24, 1775
* Ethan Allen captured
* American Revolutionary War
The front page has a bit noting: "...letter from General Burgoyne at Boston wherein he says that 20,000 men would be a feeble reinforcement to the army there, in their present situation." Page 2 has various tidbits relating to the war, a few including: "... See More
Death of the President, in a Washington, D.C. newspaper...
Item #702416
April 05, 1841
THE GLOBE Semi-Weekly edition, Washington, D.C., April 5, 1841
* President William Henry Harrison
* Washington, D.C. death - 1st report
The upper right corner of the front page has what appears to be almost a news bulletin headed: "Death Of The President", datelined "April 4, two o'clock, A.M." and beginning: "It is with deep regret we announce that WILLI... See More
First printing of the first Census Act...
Item #703187
March 10, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, March 10, 1790
* The Census Act of 1790
* Very first U.S. census
The nation's capital was in New York City at this time, so it is of great significance that close to half of the front page is taken up with the very first printing of: "An ACT Providing for the Enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States".
This was th... See More
Washington's historic farewell orders to the military...
Item #704612
January 06, 1784
THE EDINBURGH ADVRTISER, Scotland, Jan. 6, 1784
* General George Washington
* Farewell address - speech
* Continental Army officers
* Princeton, New Jersey
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: "Rock... See More
Perhaps the best publication for any baseball collector...
Item #704614
October 10, 1867
THE BALL PLAYERS' CHRONICLE, New York, Oct. 10, 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 changing... See More
The Louisiana Purchase...
Item #702421
November 05, 1805
LANCASTER JOURNAL, Pennsylvania, Nov. 5, 1803 A very notable issue as contained on pages 1 and 2 are the: "Treaty Between the United States & the French Republic" outlining the details of what we now know as the Louisiana Purchase, followed by two Conventions of the treaty which outlined the details of the payments to France. These documents were agreed to in Paris on April 30,... See More
Perhaps the best publication for any baseball collector...
Item #705116
November 28, 1867
THE BALL PLAYERS' CHRONICLE, New York, Nov. 28, 1867 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 changing its name to the 'American Chronicle' (which in turn lasted only 31 more)... See More
Broadside edition of this famous title, with good content...
Item #704385
January 08, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Jan. 8, 1782
* Very rare Broadside edition from the Revolutionary War
Apparently a quite unusual broadside edition as the issue is a single sheet with the back page blank. If page 2 had text I would suspect that the back leaf was missing, but the front page text concludes on the front page and the reverse is entirely blank.... See More
Rare and early title from Honolulu...
Item #667786
June 29, 1844
THE POLYNESIAN, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands, June 29, 1844
* Very rare 19th century Hawaiian publication
One of the earliest newspapers we have offered from Hawaii, and fifteen 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. The... 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
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
References to Cornwallis' surrender... A plea to Congress by Loyalist James Rivington...
Item #687139
December 06, 1781
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE AND THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 6, 1781
* American Revolutionary War
* Post Surrender of Cornwallis
* Loyalist James Rivington
The masthead features an engraving taken from one done by Paul Revere, showing a soldier holding a sword and a document inscribed "Independence" while standing beneath a banner inscribed "Appeal To Heaven&q... 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
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 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
Burning of Fairfield & the coastal towns of Connecticut...
Item #687105
July 15, 1779
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE AND THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, July 15, 1779
* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
* Burning of Fairfield, Connecticut - William Tyron
* Paul Revere masthead engraving for display
The masthead features an engraving taken from one done by Paul Revere, showing a soldier holding a sword and a document inscribed "Independence" whil... See More
The 'Gag Rule' of 1836 - including the infamous, "Am I gagged?", by John Quincy Adams…
Item #714541
May 26, 1836
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., May 26 and 28, 1836 (a two-issue set)
The May 26th issue has much of the contentious dialogue in The House of Representatives regarding the resolution which, if passed, would prevent any discussion in the chamber on the subject of slavery. The 3rd column of page three has mention of John Quincy Adams’ declaration: "Am I gagged?" This is ... 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 from (modeled after) one done earlier by Paul Revere, showing a patriot soldier with a sword in one hand and a scroll reading "Independence" in ... 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
George Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #686698
December 22, 1795
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Dec. 14, 1795
* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address
Page 3 include the historic annual state-of-the-union address of President George Washington to Congress. Headed "SPEECH" it is prefaced with: "This day, precisely at 12 o'clock, The President of the United States met both Houses of Congress in the hall of the Repre... 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
Famous letter from Lincoln to Greeley...
Item #691078
August 25, 1862
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, August 25, 1862
* Famous Abraham Lincoln letter
* "A Prayer of Twenty Millions" reply
* Liberal Republican Horace Greeley
The front page contains one of the more famous letters from Abraham Lincoln, being his reply to Horace Greeley's editorial of August 20, "A Prayer of Twenty Millions", which urged emancipation. Lincoln replies in h... 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
British account of the Battle of Stono Ferry, and the Battle of Chemung, New York...
Item #697637
September 02, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 2, 1779
* Battle of Stono Ferry, Charleston, South Carolina
* Battle of Chemung - New York - John Sullivan
A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
Nearly one-third of page 2 is a letter from an officer in the British army from ... 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
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
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P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Weekdays, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
