The Best of the Best
The Best of the Best
Madison proposes Amendments to the Constitution... Early edition of the Bill of Rights...
Item #681502
June 13, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 13, 1789
* Early edition of the "Bill of Rights"
* United States Constitution - Amendments
* President James Madison
An exceedingly significant issue which has, on page 3, a preliminary draft of the Bill of Rights described as "...the Amendments to the New Constitution, proposed by the Hon. Mr. Maddison [sic]...".... See More
Announcement that the Constitution has been created...
Item #680368
September 18, 1787
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, September 18, 1787
* First announcement that the Constitution of the United States has been finalized
* In regards to historic announcements in U.S. history, this is rivaled only by the announcement that the Declaration of Independence had been signed
A singularly historic newspaper. As collectors know the very first news... See More
Likely the most desired masthead from the 18th century...
Item #687194
October 23, 1770
THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY, Or Thomas's Boston Journal, October 27, 1774 It would be difficult to properly place both the scarcity and desirability of this newspaper in the confect of American history. This issue has the famous "Join Or Die" engraving stretching across the masthead.
In the same way that the famous "Dewey Defeats Truman" issue of the Chicago Tribune is com... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #677502
December 07, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, December 7, 1774
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #673309
April 05, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 5, 1775
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead of th
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead of th
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #681728
November 16, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, November 16, 1774 If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead of this newspaper, shows a snake cut into various pieces, each with a
... See More
The notorious pirate Captain Kidd is executed !
Item #682668
May 26, 1701
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, May 22-26, 1701
* Infamous pirate Captain William Kidd
* Historic & extremely rare report
* Execution - hanging
The London Gazette is the oldest continually published newspaper in the world, having started in 1665 and is still publishing today.
This issue contains on page two an exceedingly significant report--perhaps the rarest and mo
... See More
* Infamous pirate Captain William Kidd
* Historic & extremely rare report
* Execution - hanging
The London Gazette is the oldest continually published newspaper in the world, having started in 1665 and is still publishing today.
This issue contains on page two an exceedingly significant report--perhaps the rarest and mo
Ben Franklin's famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #692301
November 30, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, November 30, 1774
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead o
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead o
Two accounts of Bunker Hill, Washington becomes commander-in-chief, so much more. In a Virginia newspaper...
Item #691875
July 14, 1775
VIRGINIA GAZETTE, Williamsburg, July 14, 1775
* Battle of Bunker Hill (2 accounts) - Siege of Boston
* George Washington becomes Commander-in-Chief
This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War. A very rare opportunity for a scarce title... See More
Spindletop: the beginning of the 20th century oil boom...
Item #683018
January 12, 1901
THE HOUSTON DAILY POST, Texas, January 12, 1901
* Discovery of oil in Beaumont, Texas
* Beginning of the Great Spindletop oil well
Although discoveries were made in various locations long before this date, this discovery--to be known as Spindletop--marked the emergence of the oil industry at a time when the automobile and other industries were experiencing rapid growth, coinciding wit... See More
Two accounts of the Battle of Bunker Hill, and two of Washington being named commander-in-chief... Thanks to Patrick Henry...
Item #697280
July 07, 1775
THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE, Williamsburg, July 7, 1775 This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War. A very rare opportunity for a scarce title from colonial Virginia, as any experienced collector is aware.
Simply a terrific issue, containing repor... See More
King Philip's War: the first war in America...
Item #682795
August 19, 1675
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, August 19, 1675
* King Philip's War - Metacomet
* New England Colonists vs. Indians
* First war in America (historic)
The significance of what is known as "King Philip's War" is lost with most Americans, but the event cannot be over-stated. This was America's first war, and the only newspaper in existence to report it was this title.... See More
Exceedingly rare 1566 newsbook... Over 450 years old...
Item #690168
August 21, 1566
Only rarely have we had the great pleasure to offer the earliest of "newspapers" to our customers, being the German newsbooks dating from the 1500's.
The title reads: Newe zeitung vom XXI Augusti auss Wien anno 1566" which translates, literally, to "New Newspaper from August 21, from Vienna in the year x66". These "newsbooks", as they were called, were the p... See More
"The North Star" becomes "Frederick Douglass' Paper"...
Item #697755
May 20, 1852
FREDERICK DOUGLASS' PAPER, Rochester, New York, May 20, 1852
* Extremely rare publication
We are pleased to offer this exceedingly rare--and highly desirable--newspaper by the famed Frederick Douglass. This weekly title is the continuation of his newspaper "North Star" which began in 1847.
Much of page 2 is taken up with: "The Annual Meeting of the American Anti-Sl... See More
The legendary "called shot" home run by Babe Ruth, in a Chicago newspaper...
Item #655718
October 02, 1932
CHICAGO SUNDAY TRIBUNE, October 2, 1932
* Babe Ruth's called shot (first report)
* New York Yankees World Series (game 3)
* Chicago Cubs - Wrigley Field
* Best title to be had - very rare
This could well be the most desired newspaper in baseball history. This edition reports the famous Babe Ruth "called shot" home run in the 1932 World Series.
As a bit of background, ... See More
"The Swedish Intelligencer" by Butter and Bourne...
Item #691742
January 01, 1633
THE SWEDISH INTELLIGENCER, "The Third Part" as well as: "The Fourth Part", London, 1633
* Very rare 17th century periodical
* Publisher Nathaniel Butter
A very rare newsbook by the famed publishing team of Nathaniel Butter and Nicholas Bourne who are credited with being the founders of the English language periodical format, having published: "The Continuatio... See More
"The North Star" becomes "Frederick Douglass' Paper"...
Item #689770
June 17, 1852
FREDERICK DOUGLASS' PAPER, Rochester, New York, June 17, 1852 We are pleased to offer this exceedingly rare--and highly desirable--newspaper by the famed Frederick Douglass. This weekly title is the continuation of his newspaper "North Star" which began in 1847.
Douglass was perhaps the most famous 19th century African-American abolitionist who escaped from slavery and then ri... See More
Significant in Coca Cola history... The company is sold...
Item #680677
August 22, 1919
THE ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, August 22, 1919
* Coca Cola goes public - very historic!
* Asa Candler - best publication to be had (very rare)
This issue features as a banner headline one of the more historic moments in the history of the Coca-Cola Company, when Asa Chandler, the man who bought the original formula from founder John Pemberton and propelled the company to national p
... See More
* Coca Cola goes public - very historic!
* Asa Candler - best publication to be had (very rare)
This issue features as a banner headline one of the more historic moments in the history of the Coca-Cola Company, when Asa Chandler, the man who bought the original formula from founder John Pemberton and propelled the company to national p
The Gettysburg Address on the front page... One of the very best...
Item #684899
November 20, 1863
NEW YORK TIMES, Nov. 20, 1863
* President Abraham Lincoln
* Gettysburg Address at battlefield cemetery
It would be difficult to argue for a more notable or desirable newspaper from the Civil War. Combine the complete text of the historic Gettysburg Address by President Abraham Lincoln, with this venerable title, with the content being on the front page, and the combination makes for o... See More
Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown, in an American newspaper...
Item #687288
December 20, 1781
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, December 20, 1781
* Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown
* American Revolutionary War ending
This issue contains one of the most historically significant letters from the Revolutionary War, being Cornwallis' official announcement of his surrender to Washington at the Battle of Yorktown.
The report begins on the front page no less, prefaced wit... See More
The Jew Bill... Striving for equal rights for the Jews...
Item #690329
May 29, 1819
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, May 29, 1819
* The Jew Bill - extremely historic
* Equal rights for Jews - voting
* Henry Marie Brackenridge's speech
This notable issue contains the full text of the speech presented by H.M. Brackenridge in the Maryland House of Delegates when the Jew Bill was under consideration.
The text of Brackenridge's speech is headed: &quo... See More
One of the best headlines on the "Black Sox" scandal to be had...
Item #683783
September 29, 1920
CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE, Sept. 29, 1920
* Chicago White "Black" Sox - players suspended
* World Series Scandal breaks
* Best publication to be had (extremely rare)
Among the most desired reports in all of baseball history are those covering the infamous "Black Sox" World Series scandal of 1919, in which players of the Chicago White Sox were accused of gambling on th... See More
North Carolina secession report in a North Carolina newspaper...
Item #688320
May 22, 1861
THE DAILY JOURNAL, Wilmington, North Carolina, May 22, 1861
* North Carolina secession
* American Civil War
Certainly the most notable report is the pg. 2 news headed: "Secession Of North Carolina!" "One of The Confederates States" "North Carolina Free--Lincoln's Military Despotism Repudiated" which also includes the two "Ordinance" reports ... See More
Constitutional Convention begins & Washington is elected its President: a day after report...
Item #686699
May 26, 1787
THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, May 26, 1787
* Constitutional Convention begins
* George Washington elected president
An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention--terrific to have in a newspaper from the city where these notable proceedings were held.
As such, this is likely the ... See More
America's first successful newspaper...
Item #689552
April 17, 1740
THE BOSTON WEEKLY NEWS-LETTER, "New England", April 10-17, 1740
* Among the earliest of American newspapers to be had
This very rare title was the first successful newspaper in the colonies, having begun in 1704 and lasting until the British occupation of Boston in 1776. It was only preceded by "Public Occurrances Both Foreign and Domestick" which published just a s... See More
Early issue of America's first successful newspaper...
Item #682697
August 23, 1739
THE BOSTON WEEKLY NEWS-LETTER, August 23, 1739
* Among the earliest of American newspapers to be had
Above the title is "New-England", likely to distinguish this newspaper from the city of Boston in England.
This very rare title was the first successful newspaper in the colonies, having begun in 1704 and lasting until the British occupation of Boston in 1776. It was only pre... See More
With the Supplement issue, containing a great wealth of news on the strained relationship with England...
Item #695050
February 24, 1775
THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE (with Supplement), Williamsburg, Feb. 24, 1775 This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War.
Page 3 has a letter from South Carolina with items from their Provincial Congress including thoughts on whether: "...rice s... See More
On the Battle of Bunker Hill... Washington named commander-in-chief.. So much more....
Item #687295
July 05, 1775
THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & THE NEW HAVEN POST-BOY, July 5, 1775
* Battle of Bunker Hill - Charlestown
* Siege of Boston, Massachusetts
* George Washington named commander
* American Revolutionary War
* Terrific issue w/ many reports
Nice engraving in the masthead of a post boy on horseback.
The front page has a letter from an officer in General Gage's regiment heading for ... See More
The Declaration of Independence...
Item #677985
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1776 It would be difficult to argue for a more important document in American history than the Declaration of Independence. It remains a desire of most collectors to find an issue containing reference to it, and ultimately a contemporary printing of the actual document. With American newspaper printings commanding $50,000 or more in nice conditio... See More
Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown, in an American newspaper...
Item #680790
December 14, 1781
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, December 14, 1781
* Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown
* American Revolutionary War ending
This issue contains one of the most historically significant letters from the Revolutionary War, being Cornwallis' official announcement of his surrender to Washington at the Battle of Yorktown.
The report consumes all of page 3, prefaced with: "... See More
One of the more rare Revolutionary War titles... Battle of Bunker Hill... Patrick Henry... so much more...
Item #687318
October 06, 1775
STORY & HUMPHREYS'S PENNSYLVANIA MERCURY & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1775
* Battle of Bunker Hill
* Revolutionary War
* Very rare publication
Certainly one of the more scarce titles from during the Revolutionary War. This is the volume 1 number 27 issue of a newspaper that existed only from April 7 to December 22, 1775, publishing a total of just 38 i... See More
The Declaration of Independence, and more...
Item #681282
THE UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE, London, England, complete bound volume of six months for July thru December, 1776 plus the Supplement issue as well.* Original Declaration of Independence... the complete text
* As reported from Great Britain
* Entire bound volume intacted
It would be difficult to argue for a more important document in American history than the Declaration of Independence. It remai... See More
Rare issue of the Oxford Gazette... Death toll from the Great Plague...
Item #697267
December 28, 1665
THE OXFORD GAZETTE, England, Dec. 28, 1665 This is an extremely famous--and rare--title being the predecessor of the famous "London Gazette", the oldest continually published English language newspaper in the world. This is the #13 issue.
Because of the Plague at this time, the Royal Court had removed itself from London to Oxford when this newspaper began, so issues #1 thru #23 we... See More
Lincoln is assassinated... One of the most desired titles... An early edition...
Item #682863
April 15, 1865
NEW YORK TIMES, April 15, 1865
* Abraham Lincoln assassination (1st report)
* Ford's Theater - John Wilkes Booth
Not only this event, but this title remains one of the most desired by collectors; a very significant event in American history reported by one of the most respected newspapers in the country.
The first column heads tell it all: "AWFUL EVENT" "President ... See More
On Billy the Kid's death in almost a "hometown" newspaper...
Item #689457
July 23, 1881
THE LAS VEGAS DAILY OPTIC, New Mexico, July 23, 1881
* Outlaw Billy the Kid shot dead
* Pat Garrett - Old West lawman
* In a area publication, very rare
This was essentially the "backyard" of the famed outlaw Billy the Kid, so it is significant that there are two articles concerning his recent death (killed by Pat Garrett on July 14 in nearby Fort Sumner, New Mexico).
The... See More
Protests by unpaid war veterans... Rare title with pro-Loyalist leanings...
Item #687446
July 02, 1783
THE ROYAL GAZETTE, New York, July 2, 1783
* American Revolutionary War
* Extremely rare publication
* James Rivington
This is a case where the rarity of the title surpasses the content within. This was a Tory newspaper by the infamous James Rivington who was supportive of the British cause.
Rivington's initially impartial stance shifted as the revolution loomed and public opini... See More
The Gettysburg Address in a Pennsylvania newspaper...
Item #687238
November 20, 1863
PUBLIC LEDGER, Philadelphia, Nov. 20, 1863
* President Abraham Lincoln's famous speech
* Gettysburg Address at battlefield cemetery
* In a Pennsylvania publication, rare as such
The front page has over two columns taken up with: "The Solemnities At Gettysburg" "Dedication of The Cemetery Of The Heroes" "Oration of Hon. Edward Everett".
As many know,... See More
Battle of Bunker Hill... Washington as Commander-in-Chief...
Item #697032
June 27, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, June 27, 1775 Almost the entire front page is taken up with a terrific and vitriolic attack on General Gage concerning his actions at Boston, the full text shown in the photos below, with bits including: "...waving all that may be said of your hypocracy, cruelty, villany, treachery, persidy, falsehood & inconsistancy...we well know you ha... See More
The Declaration of Independence...
Item #687396
THE UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE, London, England, August, 1776 * Original Declaration of Independence... the complete text
* As reported from Great Britain
It would be difficult to argue for a more important document in American history than the Declaration of Independence. It remains a desire of most collectors to find issues containing reference to it, and ultimately a contemporary printing... See More
Very early report of Washington's inaugural address, plus his election as well...
Item #652573
April 01, 1789
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, April, 1789
* President George Washington
* Election victory & inauguration
Certainly the most notable content is found in "The Chronicle" section near the back where the latest news was reported, which covers the election & inauguration of President George Washington.
The full text is shown in the photos, however some ite... See More
Terrific on the Battle of Gettysburg, with editorial comment...
Item #688121
July 07, 1863
DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Virginia, July 7, 1863
* Fantastic Battle of Gettysburg Coverage
* Rare Confederate title from rebel capital
The front page has various war items including: "The Army of the Pamunkey--The Attack on the South Anna Bridge". There is also a great front page letter datelined "Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, June 25, 1863" which is prefaced with: &... See More
Death of Martin Luther King in an African-American newspaper...
Item #669422
April 12, 1968
CHICAGO DAILY DEFENDER, April 6-12, 1968
* Martin Luther King Jr. murder
* Assassination in a Negro publication
This Chicago-based weekly newspaper was founded in 1905 by an African American for primarily African-American readers. As such, this report of the assassination of Martin Luther King is far more rare & desirable than if found in virtually any other newspaper in the coun... See More
One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #669851
April 03, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, April 3, 1735
* Earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare
As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first newspaper in all of the Middle Coloni... See More
Extremely rare 1665 Oxford Gazette...
Item #615072
February 01, 1666
THE OXFORD GAZETTE, England, February 1, 1665 (1666 by today's calendar) - issue #23 (the last issue before becoming the London Gazette)
* One of the earliest & rarest of newspapers to be had
This is an extremely famous--and rare--title, being the predecessor of the famous "London Gazette", the oldest continually published English language newspaper in the world. Bec... See More
Great issue on the Battle of Gettysburg... From the capital of the Confederacy...
Item #688122
July 06, 1863
DAILY RICHMOND EXAMINER, Richmond, Virginia, July 6, 1863
* Historic Battle of Gettysburg
* From the Confederate perspective
Not only is this a nice newspaper from the Confederacy, but it is from the Confederate capital.
Although the front page has much reporting on the Civil War, certainly the most significant content in this issue is the rather lengthy & detailed reporting on ... See More
Billy the Kid, Pat Garett, Virgil & Wyatt Earp, Frank Stilwell, Johnny Behan...
Item #668423
August 10, 1881
THE TOMBSTONE EPITAPH, Arizona, August 10, 1881
* Best Old West title to be had
* Pre Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
Few could argue for a more recognizable title from the Old West, nor could any town be more linked to the romance of the West than this one. Tombstone is steeped in Western lore, and the several movies done concerning the gunfight at the O.K. Corral have kept this town in ... See More
Terrific display issue on Lincoln's assassination...
Item #680776
April 16, 1865
NEW YORK HERALD, April 16, 1865
* Abraham Lincoln's assassination
* John Wilkes Booth- Ford's Theatre
This date was a Sunday, and only rarely were Sunday newspapers bound into volumes held by libraries. As such, this date is arguably more scarce than the issue of April 15.
And when it comes to graphic appeal, it could also be argued that this edition of the 16th surpasses tha... See More
Establishing the rules of cricket... A premier report...
Item #671291
July 28, 1789
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 28, 1789
* A cornerstone issue for any cricket collection
The article is titled: "Cricket" which contains within a subtitle reading: "Laws of the Game" which takes the majority of the article. There is another smaller subhead reading: "Betts" which mentions wagering on the game. The prefatory paragraph reads:... See More
From perhaps the most famous town of the Old West...
Item #687599
July 15, 1881
THE TOMBSTONE EPITAPH, Arizona, July 15, 1881
* Best Old West title to be had
* Pre Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
Few could argue for a more recognizable title from the Old West, nor could any town be more linked to the romance of the West than this one. Tombstone is steeped in Western lore, and the several movies done concerning the gunfight at the O.K. Corral have kept this town in p... See More
Rare Johnny Ringo mention in a Tombstone Epitaph...
Item #688937
January 21, 1882
THE TOMBSTONE EPITAPH, Cochise County, Arizona, January 21, 1882
* Best old West title to be had
* Johnny Ringo mention
Few could argue for a more recognizable title from the Old West, nor could any town be more linked to the romance of the West than this one. Tombstone is steeped in Western lore, and the several movies done concerning the gunfight at the O.K. Corral have kept this to... See More
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History's Newsstand Blog
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Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
Fax: 1-570-326-7606
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
Fax: 1-570-326-7606
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
