The Best of the Best
The Best of the Best
The Act creating the Bank of the United States...
Item #698020
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, March, 1791* First Bank of the United States creation
The issue begins with textual: "Sketches of the President Of the United States" which is nearly a 4 1/2 page biography of George Washington (the plate called for is lacking). Also inside is the conclusion of: "Description of Cape Cod & the County of Barnstable" which takes 2 1/2... See More
Rare reference to both the Great Fire & the Great Plague...
Item #695842
October 01, 1666
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Oct. 1, 1666
* The great plague
* London fire report
The back page contains a report: "The Plague continuing still very dangerous at Cambridge, Peterborough, and other places near the City of Ely, the Lord Bishop of Ely hath thought fit to prohibit the holding of the Fairs of St. Luke & St. Audrey at Ely this instant October." plus the back ... See More
Great foldout map of "West Florida" from Pensacola to New Orleans...
Item #655983
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1772* Nice map of "West Florida"
* Pensacola, Florida, to New Orleans, Louisiana
* Plate of a rare bird from the Hudson Bay
Certainly the most notable item in this issue is the very nice foldout map titled: "A Map of Part of WEST FLORIDA" from Pensacola to the Mouth of Iberville River, with a View to shew the Proper Spot ... See More
The beginning of the U.S. Navy's relationship with San Diego...
Item #704628
May 01, 1917
EVENING TRIBUNE, San Diego, California, May 1, 1917 A terrific and very displayable issue on the founding era of the United States Navy's relationship with San Diego, one which has grown tremendously ever since 1917 to become the home port of the Pacific Fleet, a base composed of 13 piers, with over 24,000 military personnel and over 10,000 civilian workers. The U.S. Navy remains a... See More
Jailed for support of the Americans... No independence for America...
Item #698402
April 09, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 9, 1782
* American Revolutionary War
* America sympathizers jailed
* Independence ?
Page 2 includes: "The enemy in New York are busy in prosecuting their canal...They are also erecting a line of works on Long Island...His Excellency GENERAL WASHINGTON and his Lady arrived last Monday at Head Quarters, New-Burg,... See More
From Texas during the Civil War...
Item #696937
September 23, 1864
GALVESTON TRI-WEEKLY NEWS, Houston, Texas, Sept. 23, 1864
* Very rare issue from the Southwest Confederacy
Although the title notes "Galveston" the dateline notes it was printed in nearby Houston, as it is likely moving a bit more inland offered greater security from the Yankee forces.
Confederate newspapers from Texas are very uncommon particularly from before or during the... See More
Great map of the West Indies & America...
Item #680044
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1762 * Very early Southern America map w/ West Indies
Certainly the prime feature of this early magazine is the terrific & very displayable foldout map titled: "An Accurate Map of the West Indies with the Adjacent Coast" as noted in the ornate cartouche. This map shows much of present-day Georgia & Florida to present-day... See More
Death of John Hancock in his hometown newspaper...
Item #681123
October 09, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 9, 1793
* John Hancock death (1st report)
* Declaration of Independence signer
* 1st Massachusetts Governor
* From his hometown (rare)
Curiously, the ftpg. includes "A Proclamation for a Day of Public Thanksgiving By His Excellency John Hancock, Governor..." carrying over to pg. 2 where it is signed by him in type: John Hancock.
Contrast t... See More
Washington's anger over the murder of Captain Huddy...
Item #697218
May 21, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, May 21, 1782
* Captain Joshua Huddy execution - hanging
* General George Washington angry reaction
* American Revolutionary War
Two-thirds of the front page is taken up with "Debates in the House of Commons Upon the American War". An excellent report providing much insight into the discussions on the troubling si... See More
Cornwallis surrenders to Washington at Yorktown...
Item #686313
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1782 * Lord Charles Cornwallis
* General George Washington
* Surrender at Yorktown - Virginia
This issue contains the very historic report of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia.
An inside page has a nice report headed: "Extract of a Letter from Sir Henry Clinton" which begins: "...I had th... See More
Reports from the closing months of the Revolutionary War...
Item #701131
April 09, 1783
THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL, Philadelphia, April 9, 1783
* American Revolutionary War
* Closing events - John Dickinson
Fully half of the front page is a lengthy letter: "To His Excellency John Dickinson, esq., President" of Pennsylvania, which relates to the paper currency of America. The balance of the front page is a letter: "To Robert Morris" that begins: "M... See More
Lincoln formalizes Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday...
Item #680752
October 05, 1863
NEW YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, October 5, 1863
* President Abraham Lincoln proclamation
* America's national day of Thanksgiving begins
Although almost every President since George Washington has issued a proclamation for a "day of thanksgiving", typically celebrated in November but at other times of the year as well, it was Abraham Lincoln who formalized Thanksgiving Day to be... See More
Rare baseball newspaper from 1886... Fred Lewis - Cincinnati Red Stockings...
Item #684988
July 22, 1886
OFFICIAL (Baseball) RECORD, New York, July 22, 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&qu... See More
Lincoln's second inauguration...
Item #691247
March 06, 1865
NEW YORK HERALD, March 6, 1865
* Abraham Lincoln 2nd inauguration
* Closing weeks of the Civil War
* Assassination nears
Page 4 headlines at the top of last column about the second inauguration of Abraham Lincoln include: "INAUGURATION" "Our Report of the Second Installation of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States" "Scenes at the White House in the Str... See More
Is the pursuit of independence worth the effort?
Item #689081
April 22, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, April 22, 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.
Over two-thirds of the front page is taken up with the text of two Bill... See More
Preparing for the final events at Yorktown... Tragic case of Col. Isaac Haynes...
Item #698643
October 02, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Oct. 2, 1781
* Rare American Revolutionary War publication
Most of the front page is taken up with reports and correspondence concerning the case of Col. Isaac Haynes, the American officer hanged by the British for a controversial charge. One series of letters is prefaced with: "The following are authentic copies of su... See More
Benjamin Franklin's lightning rod experiment...
Item #704721
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1752
* Benjamin Franklin
* Electricity experiments
* Lightning rod
Inside 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 experiment works.
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin
* Electricity experiments
* Lightning rod
Inside 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 experiment works.
Latest war news from the middle of the Revolutionary War...
Item #677118
December 26, 1778
THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Dec. 26, 1778 The entire front page and half of page 2 are taken up with the second half of the: "Treaty of Amity and Commerce Between the Most Christian King and the United Starters of North America", this being the treaty of assistance between French and the colonies, which did much to support the American cause ag... See More
Period mention of the great London Fire...
Item #680005
January 28, 1666
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, January 28, 1666 (1667 by today's calendar).
* The Great London Fire period coverage
* Among the earliest newspapers to be had
It is very rare to find any period mention of the great London Fire of 1666 in newspapers of the day, certainly one reason being the death of publications in print at that time--very few beyond the London Gazette.
The back pag... See More
Reports on Lincoln's inauguration in this racist newspaper...
Item #680176
March 04, 1865
NEW YORK WEEKLY DAY-BOOK CAUCASIAN, March 4, 1865
* Rare pro-white publication
* Abraham Lincoln inauguration
* Closing weeks of the Civil War
A decidedly racist newspaper which began well before the Civil War & lasted a few years after. This issue has much reporting and editorializing on Lincoln's inauguration, both with a strong bias against Lincoln.
Some articles area hea... See More
Provincial Congress meeting (1775)...
Item #702716
December 23, 1775
PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Dec. 23, 1775
* Meeting of a Provincial Congress
* Early American Revolutionary War
Front page report mentions the meeting of a Provincial Congress in Charlestown, South Carolina. Interesting ftpg. letter concerning a runaway slave on board a British ship. Pg. 2 has political reports from New York & Philadelphia, including men
... See More
* Meeting of a Provincial Congress
* Early American Revolutionary War
Front page report mentions the meeting of a Provincial Congress in Charlestown, South Carolina. Interesting ftpg. letter concerning a runaway slave on board a British ship. Pg. 2 has political reports from New York & Philadelphia, including men
Rare map of Captain Cook's voyage... Map of the eastern hemisphere...
Item #677980
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1776 * Revolutionary War era
* Captain James Cook
* Discoveries map
* Great year to have (1776)
The first article has five pages on: "Debates in the Present Parliament" which includes much on the situation in America.
This issue includes a lengthy article (3+ pages) on Captain Cook and the: "Resolution's Voyage on Discover... See More
Criticizing Thomas Paine's writings...
Item #703477
January 23, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 23, 1779
* Thomas Paine - re. Common Sense criticism
* American Revolutionary War era Philadelphia
Two-thirds of the front page and most of page 2 are taken up with an interesting, critical article on Thomas Paine's works. It is headed: "To The Respectable Public of America, On the Veracity of Common Sens... See More
Great account of the siege of Fort Schuyler...
Item #697860
September 04, 1777
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 4, 1777
* Siege of Fort Stanwix - Schuyler
* American Revolutionary War
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 stro... See More
Naval battle between the Americans & British... Franklin the 'old fox'...
Item #697389
January 03, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, January 3, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
This was a Tory newspaper published in Philadelphia when the British occupied the city. It began in 1775 and ended when the British evacuated the city in May of 1778. Not surprisingly, the masthead features an engravi... See More
Terrific & displayable issue with front page discussion from London on the futility of the war...
Item #697887
April 30, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 30, 1782
* Rare American Revolutionary War publication
A terrific front page as it is entirely taken up with reports of discussions in the "House of Commons" mostly focused on the Revolutionary War and the futility of continuing it.
A few bits include: "That it is the opinion of the house that the war ... See More
Much on Lewis & Clark & their exploration to the Pacific...
Item #679743
August 26, 1807
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Aug. 26, 1807
* Lewis and Clark expedition - Pacific
The back page has a very lengthy: "Proposals...For Publishing LEWIS and CLARK'S Tour to the Pacific Ocean, through the Interior of the Continent of North America..." noting the details that will be in "Volume First" as well as "Volume Second". And this is fol... See More
Rare Confederate newspaper... Confederates have stopped Sherman?
Item #684217
August 04, 1864
THE CAMDEN DAILY JOURNAL, South Carolina, August 4, 1864
* Rare Confederate publication
* William T. Sherman
* March to the sea is stopped?
A nice and quite rare title from late in the Confederacy. The front page has various news items concerning the war including: "The news of the defeat & capture of the most famous of all the Yankee raiders comes in like a welcome gleam of... See More
Beginning of the Impressionist movement in France...
Item #701064
May 13, 1876
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, May 13, 1876 (at a special price)
* Impressionism - art movement begins (historic)
This is an exceedingly significant newspaper on the founding of the Impressionist movement in art.
Page 2 has an inconspicuous yet quite historic report which essentially reports on the beginning of the Impressionist movement in the art world in France. Those artists now known as the &... See More
The yacht 'America' wins the first of what will become the America's Cup race...
Item #701518
August 25, 1851
THE TIMES, London, Aug. 25, 1851
* 1st America's Cup
* Yacht "America" wins
Nearly half of page 5 is taken up with very detailed accounts of: "The Cowes Regatta" in England, which would become known as the famed America's Cup race.
This was the very first of this iconic race, and since won by the yacht "America" it would forever become known as t... See More
Rare 19th century Alaska newspaper: first we have seen...
Item #697341
September 26, 1892
THE ALASKA HERALD, Sitka, Sept. 26, 1892
* Very rare Alaska Territorial issue
A quite rare newspaper from Alaska which existed for just over two years, from June 27, 1892 thru Sept. 23, 1894. This is the volume 1, number 14 issue.
This is the first of this title we have encountered in our 47+ years.
Four pages, 11 by 16 inches, printed on high-quality newsprint, pages 2 & 3 have... 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
Wishful thinking on the fate of Cornwallis at Yorktown...
Item #704706
January 29, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Jan. 29, 1782
* Lord Charles Cornwallis
* Surrender at Yorktown
* Revolutionary War
The front page is mostly taken up with: "An Ordinance Ascertaining What Captures on Water Shall be Lawful". This lengthy text carries over to take close to half of page 2 & is signed in type by: John Hanson, President of Congr... See More
The historic Boston Non-Importation Agreement...
Item #700584
May 15, 1769
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 15, 1769 The entire front page is taken up with: "The Speech of Th-m-s P--wn--ll, Esq. in the House of "Commons, in Favour of America" which is an interesting defense of the colonists in list of the troubles they are having with England.
A few bits include: "...that there could be any exception take... See More
A different title from Tombstone, Arizona...
Item #687226
June 04, 1889
TOMBSTONE PROSPECTOR, Arizona, June 4, 1889
* Very rare wild West publication
* Gunfight at the O.K. Corral fame
We have had a few other newspapers from the iconic Old West town of Tombstone, but this is perhaps the most uncommon. The masthead features a great engraving of a miner on a mule.
The content is much as would be expected from a mining town, including many legal notices co... See More
James Dean... one of the best to be had on the iconic teen actor...
Item #692762
September 29, 1955
MOTION PICTURE DAILY, Sept. 29, 1955
* James Dean's "Rebel Without a Cause" advertisement
* Perhaps the best to be had on the iconic teen actor
* One month prior to it's premiere debut in America
James Dean remains a cultural icon of the troubled & struggling teen from the 1950's, and his aura only increased when he died young in a car crash on September 30,... See More
General Lawrence O'Bryan Branch... The Confederate version of "Harper's Weekly"...
Item #698063
June 07, 1863
SOUTHERN ILLUSTRATED NEWS, Richmond, June 7, 1863
* General Lawrence O'Bryan Branch
* Very rare Confederate publication
A very rare publication from the Confederacy which seldom comes to the collector market. Although much of the content was literary in nature, there are news reports and a few illustrations.
The front page is entirely taken up with a nice illustration of: "G... See More
Ulysses S. Grant clarifies his infamous "Jew Order"....
Item #698506
November 30, 1868
NEW YORK HERALD, Nov. 30, 1868
* General Ulysses S. Grant
* General Order No. 11 - Jews
Page 5 has a very significant Judaica item headed: "Letter From General Grant on the Hebrew Question."
This relates to Ulysses S. Grant's General Order #11 from during the Civil War, known as the infamous "Jew Order". A website has further details on Grant
... See More
* General Ulysses S. Grant
* General Order No. 11 - Jews
Page 5 has a very significant Judaica item headed: "Letter From General Grant on the Hebrew Question."
This relates to Ulysses S. Grant's General Order #11 from during the Civil War, known as the infamous "Jew Order". A website has further details on Grant
Rare and very early from the "Alaska Territory"...
Item #698596
June 04, 1887
THE ALASKAN, Sitka, Alaska Territory, June 4, 1887
* Very rare Alaska Territorial issue
Rarely are newspapers from Alaska found from before the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897 when interest grew dramatically. This newspaper pre-dates the gold rush by ten years.
The format of the newspaper is much like other newspapers of the day, being four pages of small folio size (measures 13 by 20 in.)... See More
Map of the Hudson River region... Franklin on the exchange of prisoners...
Item #701099
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1778 * Rare Revolutionary War New York map
* Benjamin Franklin letter - Ethan Allen
Of great significance is the very nice foldout map headed: "Map of Hudson's River with the Adjacent Country", which shows from Crown Point & Ticonderoga, south to Philadelphia, & also from Long Island to Lake Ontario with consi... See More
Boston almanac for 1780...
Item #701104
January 01, 1780
* 18th century American almanac
* Revolutionary War era
A Pocket Almanac for the Year ofd our Lord 1780...fourth of American Independence, Calculated for trhe Use of the State of Massachusetts Bay in New-England, Boston, printed by T. & J. Fleet.
A wonderful almanac for during the Revolutionary War, complete in apprise. 40 pages. Each month has a blank leaf upon which notes were penned b... See More
A union-occupation newspaper in South Carolina...
Item #701672
January 10, 1863
THE FREE SOUTH, Beaufort, South Carolina, Jan. 10, 1863
* Rare Union occupation publication
On November 7, 1861, the Union Navy seized control of Port Royal Harbor in South Carolina, securing a beachhead for a new kind of journalism--the occupation newspaper. Whereas many of the homegrown South Carolina newspapers defended secession and championed the military victories of the Confede... See More
Responding to General Clinton's offer for a reconciliation...
Item #697636
April 03, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 3, 1781
* General Henry Clinton
* Peace with Americans ?
* Revolutionary War
Pages 1 and 2 contain an excellent response to the controversial "Declaration" of General Clinton in which he offers a proposal for peace to the Americans. A few bits include: "The first thing which is offered is a pardon to ... See More
Georgia colonial currency for the '...support of Continental troops...'
Item #704901
June 08, 1777
Georgia colonial currency date of June 8th, 1777 in the amount of 3 shillings 4 pence. It reads: "Georgia. 1777 This Certificate, for the support of the Continental Troops & other Expences of Government, entities the bearer to Two Thirds Of A Dollar, in Continental Currency..." with 2 signatures. Measures 3 1/2 by 2 3/4 inches, minnow loss to the lower left affects the border o... See More
John Hancock... Great masthead... British "seeks" a new commander...
Item #693170
January 21, 1782
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, Jan. 21, 1782
* One of the more patriotic mastheads from the Revolutionary War
Perhaps the best feature of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose. One of the mo... See More
General Howe proclamations in a 1777 Tory newspaper... The latest war news...
Item #692829
November 26, 1777
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 26, 1777
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
* General William Howe proclamations
This was a strongly Tory newspaper published in Philadelphia when the British were in occupation. It began in 1775 and ended when the British evacuated the city in May of 1778. Not surprisingly, the ... See More
Fall of Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy...
Item #689661
April 04, 1865
NEW YORK HERALD, April 4, 1865
* Fall of Richmond VA Virginia
* Civil War nearing the end
First column heads on the front page about the fall of Richmond: "GRANT" "Richmond Ours" "Weitzel Entered the Rebel Capital Yesterday Morning" "Many Guns Captured" "Our Troops Received with Enthusiasm" "The City On Fire" "Pe
... See More
* Fall of Richmond VA Virginia
* Civil War nearing the end
First column heads on the front page about the fall of Richmond: "GRANT" "Richmond Ours" "Weitzel Entered the Rebel Capital Yesterday Morning" "Many Guns Captured" "Our Troops Received with Enthusiasm" "The City On Fire" "Pe
Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown...
Item #697208
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, London, December and the Appendix issue for the year 1781* Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis
* Surrender at Yorktown VA Virginia
* Revolutionary War from the enemy
Certainly the most historic report in this issue--and perhaps in any issue from the Revolutionary War--is that near the back of the issue under "American Affairs". It is an "Extract... See More
Ulysses S. Grant clarifies his infamous "Jew Order"....
Item #698331
November 30, 1868
NEW YORK TIMES, Nov. 30, 1868
* General Ulysses S. Grant
* General Order No. 11 - Jews
Page 2 has a very significant Judaica item headed: "Gen. Grant's Jew Order" "Why It Was Issued--A Statement of the Circumstances of the Case."
This relates to Ulysses S. Grant's General Order #11 from during the Civil War, known as the infamous "Jew O
... See More
* General Ulysses S. Grant
* General Order No. 11 - Jews
Page 2 has a very significant Judaica item headed: "Gen. Grant's Jew Order" "Why It Was Issued--A Statement of the Circumstances of the Case."
This relates to Ulysses S. Grant's General Order #11 from during the Civil War, known as the infamous "Jew O
First use of the popular term "Ivy League"...
Item #698511
February 07, 1935
THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR, Boston, Feb. 7, 1935
* Very 1st use of the term "Ivy League"
* Collegiate athletic conference
* Harvard, Yale, Brown, Princeton, etc.
* One of a kind item here ?
Page 6 contains a rather mundane, one-column article headed: "Brown Seems to Have Been Taken Into 'Ivy League' " but it is significant for being the very first use of the... See More
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