The Best of the Best
The Best of the Best
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
* John Adams inauguration
* V.P. Thomas Jefferson
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, ag... See More
Just before the outbreak of war, from Philadelphia...
Item #706112
April 11, 1774
DUNLAP'S PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 11, 1774 This title had one of the more ornate masthead of the pre-Revolutionary War era. And this issue was printed shortly before the outbreak of war, with content reflecting the brewing troubles between England and the American colonies.
Included as well is a single sheet "Postscript" of the same da... 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
Diagram of the fort at Bunker's Hill...
Item #686266
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, September, 1775 A nice issue with much historic content from the beginning months of the Revolutionary War.Perhaps the best content is the very nice half page illustration of the "Redoubt & Intrenchment on the Heights of Charles Town, Commonly called Bunker Hill, Opposite Boston, attacked & Carried by his Majesty's Troops, Jun... 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
Negotiating a treaty with France... The war on Long Island in at Rhode Island...
Item #703279
August 13, 1778
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, August 13, 1778 Most of the front page is taken up with news & correspondence concerning America negotiating a treaty of assistance with France, including mention of Ben Franklin.
Page 3 has several reports on the war including a report from Fishkill on the battles at Long Island & Staten Island, then a letter to General Heath... 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
* American Revolutionary War
* Closing months - nice masthead
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...... 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
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
A different title from Tombstone, Arizona...
Item #707359
August 23, 1889
TOMBSTONE PROSPECTOR, Arizona, Aug. 23, 1889 We have had a few other newspapers from the iconic Old West town of Tombstone, but this is just the second time we have seen this title. The masthead features a great engraving of a miner on a mule.
Various mining-related items as well as regional & national news reports. The back page features a rather large "Arizona Mail & Stage Co... 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
George Washington and the Newburgh Conspiracy...
Item #694966
October 07, 1783
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, October 7, 1783
* Newburgh Conspiracy plan
* General George Washington
* Revolutionary War ending events
Both the front page and page 2 have nice, lengthy letters concerning the Newburgh Conspiracy of that time.
The Newburgh Conspiracy was a plan by Continental Army officers to challenge the authority of the Confederation Congress, arising from
... See More
On the resignation of General Burgoyne...
Item #689187
April 18, 1780
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & THE WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 18, 1780
* General John Burgoyne resignation
* re. Surrender at Saratoga - New York
* American Revolutionary War
The entire front page, two-thirds of page 2, and half of page 3 are taken up with: "...the various letters that passed between the late and present secretary at War and Lieutenant General Burgoyne... See More
Washington's Farewell Address...
Item #703934
November 14, 1796
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Nov. 14, 1796
* President George Washington
* Farewell Address (retirement)
Taking a full column on the front page, all of pages 2, and a bit of page 3 is an historic report headed "AMERICA - The President's Speech To the United States off America", more commonly known as Washington's Farewell Address.
The nation&... See More
Great 1773 map of the western hemisphere...
Item #704974
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1773 * Captain James Cook
* North America map
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the nice foldout map that accompanies the lengthy article: "Epitome of Lieut. Cooke's Voyage Round the World", showing most of North America, all of South America down to Cape Horn, and even portions of West Africa, Spain, France &... See More
Fear that the new government in America will fail...
Item #705297
February 13, 1784
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Feb. 13, 1784 Page 4 has an interesting letter from Philadelphia to a friend in Glasgow noting in part: "Our government...is not yet well established; and I am really afraid that this country will experience some dreadful political convulsion before this desirable establishment takes place...different bodies...of the different colonies, and jealousy o... See More
Signficant ad & review of the first modern musical...
Item #650731
September 17, 1866
NEW YORK TIMES, Sept. 17, 1866 Although an inconspicuous listing on page 7, the advertisement for the Broadway production of the "Black Crook" is quite significant. And even more significant is the page 4 review of the production, as the "Black Crook" is honored in theater history as the first modern musical.
As Wikipedia notes: "Its significance is being consi... See More
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
The first (and last?) issue published... Very rare Thomas Nast cartoon...
Item #715862
November 03, 1877
THE PEOPLE, New York, Nov. 3, 1877 A quite rare title as we can find nothing concerning it. It is not in Gregory's "Union List of American Newspapers" and it is too late for the American Antiquarian Society. Nothing can be found online. This is the volume 1, number 1 issue, and perhaps the last? Their motto in the masthead has: "Government of the people, by the people... 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
An incredible display issue on the end of World War II...
Item #705320
August 14, 1945
THE WILMINGTON NEWS--EXTRA, North Carolina, August 14, 1945
* World War II ends
* Japanese surrenders
* Terrific headline for display
When it comes to huge, screaming headlines on the end of World War II they can't possibly get much better than this.
Taking about three-quarters of the front page, in letters 8 1/4 and 4 7/8 inches high, is: "JAPS QUIT ! " with sub... See More
On Lincoln's seminal speech which lead to the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates...
Item #705620
July 06, 1857
NEW YORK TRIBUNE, July 6, 1857
* Abraham Lincoln speech
* Springfield, Illinois
* Lincoln-Douglas debates prelude
Page 3 has nearly 2 columns taken up with a seminal report on Lincoln's political career. Lincoln had been in the audience when Stephen Douglas made his June 12 speech defending the Dred Scott Decision of 3 months prior. Lincoln gave a speech on June 26 in which... 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
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
First report on John F. Kennedy's assassination... In a Dallas newspaper...
Item #705814
November 22, 1963
THE DALLAS TIMES HERALD, Texas, November 22, 1963 Serious collectors always try to obtain historic newspapers from the city where the event happened. For JFK's assassination that would be a Dallas newspaper.
Of the two newspapers which published in Dallas in 1963 only the TIMES HERALD reported the assassination on the same day it happened--November 22--and only in their 2nd and 3rd edit... 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
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Full Contact Information
