The Best of the Best
The Best of the Best
Best San Francisco earthquake issue to be had...
Item #705521
April 19, 1906
THE CALL-CHRONICLE-EXAMINER, San Francisco, California, April 19, 1906
* Best San Francisco earthquake issue to be had
This newspaper is destined to be--if not already--one of the premiere issues of the early 20th century.
See the photos for the great headlines and reports found not only on the front page but on all four pages.
Due to the destruction of the presses in San Franc... 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
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
The Boston Massacre: two great reports...
Item #702493
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1770* The Boston Massacre
* Historic reporting
Certainly the most notable item in this issue is the report on the Boston Massacre.
The entirety of page 2 is taken up with an excellent & historic report of the Boston Massacre, headed: "AMERICAN AFFAIRS" and the article prefaced with: "The following Report of the Committee of t... See More
Two documents from Alexander Hamilton...
Item #701740
January 20, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Jan. 20, 1790 Over half of page 2 is taken up with: "Summary View of the Report of the Secretary of the Treasury..." submitted to the House on January 14.
This is a very notable report--this being s "summary view" of a very lengthy document--concerning the topic of public credit. The full document is considered one of the greatest ... See More
Terrific letter praising Common Sense... So much more...
Item #704677
April 09, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, April 9, 1776
* re. Thomas Paine's "Common Sense"
* American Revolutionary War era
* Great year to have (1776)
This issue has some very significant front page content, as the entire first of two columns is taken up with Resolves from Congress dated April 6.
They include allowing exports from the colonies to any ... 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
Defending Edgar Allan Poe... Significant Poe issue...
Item #687859
May 19, 1853
DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., May 19, 1853 Page 2 has almost an entire column taken up with a very notable article headed: "Edgar A. Poe, by Henry Clay Preuss".
As a bit of background, the following from eapoe.org is very helpful:
“In the decade following Poe’s death, periodical writers on both sides of the Atlantic disputed his place in American
... 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
Texas becomes a state: from the nation's capital...
Item #689614
December 30, 1845
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 30, 1845
* Texas statehood
* Joins the Union
* Nation's capital
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 4, under the heading "Texas", is half a column reporting on the discussions on the ad... 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
England declares war against France: The French & Indian War begins...
Item #702243
May 22, 1756
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, May 22 1756
* England declaration of war w/ France
The most significant item in this issue is: "His Majesty's Declaration of War Against the French King" which was the official beginning of the French & Indian War. It was prompted by England & France not being able to compromise on the border between their colonies in North... See More
Very rare "camp" newspaper from the near beginning of the Civil War...
Item #701669
July 04, 1861
THE NATIONAL GUARD, Camp Pennsylvania, Baltimore, July 4, 1861
* Very rare Union Civil War camp publication
* 19th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment
A very rare "camp" newspaper from the early months of the Civil War. Although it began in July, 1856 printed at Camp McLellan, Lancaster, Pa., it was resurrected in early 1861 at its new location, hence the "vol. 2 no. 3"... See More
Lincoln wins the presidential election...
Item #701638
November 09, 1864
NEW YORK TIMES, Nov. 9, 1864
* Abraham Lincoln elected president (2nd term)
* 1st report plus Civil War reporting
This issue has a great front page, as it is taken up, in its entirety, with the election results for the presidency. Among the great first column heads are: "VICTORY ! " "Glorious Result Yesterday" "Election of Lincoln and Johnson" "... See More
Great account of the siege of Fort Schuyler...
Item #703274
September 04, 1777
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 4, 1777 Page 3 has Revolutionary War content including an item reading: "We hear Sir William Howe has requested his Majesty, for very essential reasons, to allow him to exchange General Lee for some British officers; but that such a measure has been strongly opposed by some persons in high office."
A report from Fishk... See More
Latest war news in a rare newspaper from the Revolutionary War...
Item #698073
August 26, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Aug. 26, 1779
* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
Page 3 has a: "...letter from an officer of distinction to the honorable Major-General Gates..." which begins: "I... See More
Edmund Burke's conciliatory plan...
Item #703310
May 13, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, May 13, 1775
* Edmund Burke - Anglo-Irish statesman speech
* Conciliatory plan with the American colonies
* Prelude to the American Revolutionary War
All of pages 1 and 2 are taken up with continued discussion in the House of Lords: "Authentic Debates on the New-England Fishery Bill". This was one of the notable Restraining Acts... See More
Lengthy on Lincoln taking center stage on the debate regarding the Mexican War...
Item #692510
January 20, 1848
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., January 20, 1848
* Early Abraham Lincoln
* Speech re. Mexican War
The back page has an uncommonly lengthy report on Lincoln speaking in the House of Representatives questioning President Polk's judgement on entering and prosecuting the Mexican War.
This Lincoln report takes fully 2 1/2 columns. Portions include: "...Mr. LINC
... See More
* Early Abraham Lincoln
* Speech re. Mexican War
The back page has an uncommonly lengthy report on Lincoln speaking in the House of Representatives questioning President Polk's judgement on entering and prosecuting the Mexican War.
This Lincoln report takes fully 2 1/2 columns. Portions include: "...Mr. LINC
Neil Armstrong steps on the moon in 1969...
Item #698311
July 21, 1969
WAPAKONETA DAILY NEWS, Ohio, July 21, 1969 A great issue on this significant event as this newspaper is from Neil Armstrong's hometown. Typically issues of this date carried the headline: "Man Walks On Moon" but this hometown newspaper personalized the report honoring their local hero with: "NEIL STEPS ON THE MOON".
This is likely the only newspaper in the country wi... See More
Ben Franklin's lightning rod experiment... "Long Meg and her Daughters"...
Item #701438
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1752
* Benjamin Franklin
* Electricity experiments
* Lightning rod
An inside page has an extremely significant article titled: "A Cut and Description of a Machine, easily Constructed, for Making the Experiment by which Franklin's new Theory of Thunder is demonstrated" with descriptive text showing how this exper
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin
* Electricity experiments
* Lightning rod
An inside page has an extremely significant article titled: "A Cut and Description of a Machine, easily Constructed, for Making the Experiment by which Franklin's new Theory of Thunder is demonstrated" with descriptive text showing how this exper
Inaugural addresses of John Adams, and much more...
Item #703229
March 08, 1797
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, March 8, 1797 The front page has an address: "To George Washington" from the Penna. legislature on his retirement from public office, to which he responded with a letter signed in type; Go. Washington.
This is followed by another similar letter to the President, again with his response signed; Go. Washington. Then carrying ove... See More
Tonnage Act: further defining the historic Tariff Act of 1789..
Item #686033
July 24, 1789
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 24, 1789
* Tariff Act of 1789 (Tonnage)
* George Washington signs
* 1st major piece of legislation
The entire front page is taken up with ads including 7 illustrated ship ads.
Page 2 has an address to George Washington from the governor & council of North Carolina, which is followed by his reply which carries ove... See More
"Mr. Lincoln...is rising in prominence" says it all...
Item #713891
May 15, 1860
NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, May 15, 1860
* Abraham Lincoln gaining recognition
* At the Chicago Republican Convention
This issue is one of those so desired by collectors, when innocent reports--often inconspicuous amongst the jumble of lengthier articles--wold only find relevance in the passing of years.
Keep in mind that at this point, the Republican National Conventi... See More
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “Paul Revere’s Ride”...
Item #715709
THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY, New York, Jan. 1, 1861* Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem
* 1st printing of “Paul Revere’s Ride”
Beginning on page 27 is the first printing of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's famous poem: "Paul Revere's Ride", which told of Paul Revere's (and others) midnight ride to warn the Minutemen in Lexington... See More
Delaware & Pennsylvania ratify the Constitution...
Item #713619
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, December, 1787* United States Constitution ratification
* Pennsylvania and Delaware ratify
The first article in this issue is: "A Description of Boston".
Near the back of the issue is "Intelligence" which has the latest news reports of the day, including an historic one noting: "The deputies of the state Convention of Delawar... See More
Much on events in the South: General Greene & others...
Item #697888
March 13, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, March 13, 1781
* Rare Revolutionary War title
* General Nathanael Greene
* Battle of Cowpens - SC
* Events in the South
Most of the front page is taken up with reports concerning the: "Account of the Examination& Commitment of John Trumbull, for High Treason", some of the "rebel governor" of Conne... See More
In a pro-South newspaper: Lincoln's inaugural address on the front page...
Item #701259
March 08, 1865
THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, March 8, 1865
* Abraham Lincoln's inauguration
* Inaugural address on the ftpg.
* Closing weeks of the Civil War - pro-Confederate title
Among the front page reports is: "Inauguration of President Lincoln--His Address" which contains his address in full, ending with the immortal words: "With malice towards none, with charity for all, wit... See More
Terrific issue on the Hindenburg tragedy...
Item #698116
May 07, 1937
SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER--EXTRA, May 7, 1937
* Hindenburg airship disaster
* Lakehurst NJ New Jersey
* Great headline for display
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 Fe... See More
Announcement: The Louisiana Purchase is signed...
Item #704082
July 11, 1803
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, July 11, 1803
* The Louisiana Purchase Treaty
* Signed by U.S. & France ministers
* Expansion of the United States
This newspaper has one of the more decorative mastheads of the era.
Page 2 has a NOTICE, let in larger type than normal, headed: "OFFICIAL" announcing: "The Executive has received official information
... See More
* The Louisiana Purchase Treaty
* Signed by U.S. & France ministers
* Expansion of the United States
This newspaper has one of the more decorative mastheads of the era.
Page 2 has a NOTICE, let in larger type than normal, headed: "OFFICIAL" announcing: "The Executive has received official information
The gold ink Jenny Lind promotional newspaper...
Item #702131
January 01, 1851
THE JENNY LIND, Boston This is an 1851 souvenir newspaper from Jenny Lind's legendary first American tour, featuring portraits and articles on the "Swedish Nightingale" and P. T. Barnum, who managed her tour. Barnum's advance publicity made Lind a celebrity even before she arrived in the U.S., and tickets for her first concerts were in such demand that Barnum sold them by auction... See More
Rare and early title from Honolulu...
Item #719823
August 31, 1844
THE POLYNESIAN, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands, Aug. 31, 1844
* 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
Early report of the death of Ben Franklin, from a hometown magazine...
Item #682844
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, April, 1790 Certainly the most notable report is the death of the revered Ben Franklin. At the back of the issue, in "The Gazette" section, is a report that: "On the 17th of April, departed this life, at Philadelphia, the venerable & celebrated Philosopher and Patriot, His Excellency Benjamin Franklin..." with some particulars... See More
Execution of Col. Isaac Hayne, and much more...
Item #687094
October 11, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, October 11, 1781
* American Revolutionary War original
* American Issac Hayne's execution - hanging
Most of the front page is taken up with various correspondences from and to C. Fraser, Isaac Hayne, Lord Rawdon & John Collock, with a prefacing note: "The following are authentic copies of sundry papers which Col. Isaac Hayne, two ... See More
Many honors to George Washington and Nathanael Greene for their leadership in the Revolutionary War...
Item #687144
December 17, 1783
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Dec. 17, 1783
* American victory in the Revolutionary War
* George Washington and Nathanael Greene
This is certainly one of the more displayable newspapers of the Revolutionary War era with this quite large & decorative engraving in the masthead.
Page 2 includes a letter of congratulations to Major-General Natha... See More
Very rare "camp" newspaper from near the beginning of the Civil War...
Item #701671
June 26, 1861
THE NATIONAL GUARD, Camp Pennsylvania, Baltimore, June 26, 1861
* Very rare Union Civil War camp publication
* 19th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment
A very rare "camp" newspaper from the early months of the Civil War. Although it began in July, 1856 printed at Camp McLellan, Lancaster, Pa., it was resurrected in early 1861 at its new location, hence the "vol. 2 no. 1&quo... See More
John Hancock, Benedict Arnold, Thomas Jefferson...
Item #703520
January 30, 1781
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 30, 1781 Page 2 has: "A Proclamation" beginning: "Whereas a resolve...for apprehending all prisoners of war that have been captured by any armed vessels of the United States and have not taken arms against the King of Great Britain..." with further dextral, signed in type by the governor of Mass: John H... See More
Alexander Hamilton re: the Funding Act... Washington, Adams & Jefferson... Building a lighthouse at Cape Henry...
Item #718411
October 02, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, N.Y., Oct. 2, 1790 Both pages 3 and 4 have two separate documents on carrying into effect the very historic Funding Act of 1790, whereby the new federal government assumed the debts of the individual states incurred during the Revolutionary War.
Most of the front page is taken up with the conclusion of the: "Collection Law" of the United States
... See More
A Loyalist states why America is at war...
Item #689079
February 28, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, Feb. 28, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
Half of the front page first column is a: "Proclamation" signe... See More
"Jack the Ripper" mentioned twice in the report...
Item #705700
October 20, 1888
THE TIMES, London, England, October 20, 1888 During the last half of 1888 the East End of London, primarily the Whitechapel district, was terrorized by a murderer who came to be known as Jack The Ripper. His infamous & brutal crime spree was reported in newspapers around the world--indeed, most American newspapers from 1888 reported his deeds.
But certainly the very best newspaper to fi... See More
Very displayable Thomas Nast Santa Claus on the front page...
Item #697290
January 03, 1874
HARPER'S WEEKLY January 3, 1874
* Thomas Nast
* Santa Claus
* Christmas
The entire front page features a terrific & very desirable Thomas Nast illustration: "Christmas Eve - Santa Claus Waiting for the Children to Get to Sleep." This is one of Nast's more iconic Santa images, often reproduced for advertising, promotions, etc. in recent years.
Thomas Nast ... See More
News from the closing moments of the war... Thanks to Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and others...
Item #704872
February 12, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Feb. 12, 1782
* American Revolutionary War closing events
* George Washington & Thomas Jefferson
The inside pages have various reports concerning the Revolutionary War, including: "...nothing but the utter destruction of the Carolinas was talked of by the ministry & their creatures; but since the French have b... See More
Causes & Necessities for Taking Up Arms... Edmund Burke's historic speech...
Item #702529
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1775 Taking 3 1/2 pages is "A Declaration by the Representatives of the United Colonies of North America, now met in General Congress at Philadelphia, setting forth the Causes and Necessities of their taking up Arms", signed in type at the end: John Hancock & Charles Thomson, dated "Philadelphia, July 6, 1775".This famou... See More
One of the earliest 17th century newspapers you will find...
Item #707334
December 22, 1635
GAZETTE, Paris, France, Dec. 22, 1635 This title was the very first regular newspaper published in France, started in 1631 by Théophraste Renaudot but with influential backing by the powerful Cardinal de Richelieu. All the text is in French with the first letter in the title containing embellishments. An ornate letter begins the first paragraph on the front page.
Four pages, 8 5/8 by... See More
A newspaper promoting the spelling of words phonetically...
Item #695804
May 29, 1847
AI ANGLO SACSUN, New York, May 29, 1847
* Promoting the spelling of words phonetically
Here is one of the more fascinating newspapers that was in the private collection.
This newspaper--which is volume 1, number 11--attempted to exploit a movement to spell words phonetically, just as they sounded. So their motto in the dateline is: "Devoted Tu Ai Difyushun ov Nolej and Nuz, Tru ... See More
Latest news from the Revolutionary War...
Item #658578
May 15, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, May 15, 1781
* Rare American Revolutionary War publication
The front page has a brief item: "The American spy, mentioned a few days since, is taken at Harwich and will be examined before the Privy-Council. Many papers were found upon his person, touching a treasonable correspondence."
The front page also has some ... 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
Fate of Col. Hayne... The Asgill Affair... Keep fighting, or not
Item #687347
May 02, 1782
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 2, 1782
* American Revolutionary War
The front page begins with a lengthy report headed: "Office of Finance" signed by: Robert Morris.
Page 2 begins with a very fine & detailed letter from Col. Stewart to Earl Cornwallis dated Sept. 9, 1781, being an account of the Battle of Eutaw Springs, South ... See More
Further on Ethan Allen's narrative of his captivity...
Item #687145
November 20, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, Nov. 20, 1779
* Ethan Allen captivity
* Revolutionary War original
Most of the front page is taken up with an Act of the Pennsylvania Legislature, prefaced with a paragraph signed in type by the Clerk of the General Assembly, none other than: Thomas Paine.
Page 3 has yet another Act which is prefaced with an intro signed: Thomas Paine.
All of ... See More
First American railroad publication: progress of masthead & title changes...
Item #701984
February 08, 1834
AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York
* Very early & rare railroad periodical
* Trains - locomotives - lot of 6 issues
This title was the very first American periodical on railroading. Offered here is a lot of 6 issues from its earliest years, showing the change in title and masthead engravings during a brief 16-month period.
The lot begins with vol. 1 number 1 dated Jan. 2, ... See More
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History's Newsstand Blog
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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
