Death of Ben Franklin...
Item #704390
April 24, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 24, 1790
* Benjamin Franklin death (1ST REPORT)
Our records indicate it has been over 12 years since we have been able to offer a newspaper with some report on the death or funeral of Ben Franklin. Such issues have been very elusive.
The back page has a very notable--and early--report headed datelined at "Philadelphia, April 20, 1790... See More
A rare Philadelphia title from 1796...
Item #704316
January 10, 1797
GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Dec. 30, 1796
* Rare 18th century American publication
A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer" which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
Page... See More
Building the frigate ''United States' is ahead of schedule...
Item #704311
September 14, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 14, 1796
* USS United States construction
Page 2 has a report noting: "The United States frigate, building in Southwark under the direction of Mr. Humphreys, is in such a state of forwardness that it is probable she might be launched before the ensuing winter, should occasion require (We wish we could say as much of the Boston frigate).&quo... See More
1930 World Series... Baseball...
Item #704278
October 03, 1930
THE TIMES-PICAYUNE, New Orleans, October 3, 1930
* Philadelphia Athletics vs. St. Louis Cardinals
* World Series of baseball (game 2)
The front page has a nice banner headline: "ATHLETICS ROUT CARDS 6-1 TO WIN SECOND SERIES GAME" with subheads and photo of George Earnshaw. (see images) Much more in the sport's section.
Complete with 36 pages, light toning and a little wear at... See More
A 1776 skirmish in South Carolina...
Item #704264
October 03, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Oct. 3, 1776
* Great year to collect (1776)
* American revolutionary War
* Cherokee village of Tamassee
* Major Andrew Williamson
Any newspaper dated 1776 is quite desirable, but even more so issues printed in Philadelphia.
Page 2 has a report which includes: "There is not a maritime nation in Europe but which privately c... See More
Choosing a location for Congress...
Item #704253
November 23, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 23, 1793
* United States Congress
* Choosing a site to build
A page 3 report from Philadelphia notes: "The President of the United States, having summoned the headed of Departments, Chief Justice and other officers of the Government, to meet at Germantown, to advise on the most suitable place for the meeting of Congress; we understand, their deci... See More
Much news from the Revolutionary War...
Item #704210
September 28, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Sept. 28, 1776
* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)
This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
The front page has an ad for the desertion of two soldiers from military ser... See More
One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #704194
April 03, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, April 3, 1735
* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication
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 news... See More
Creating the Bank of the United States...
Item #704193
THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, February, 1791 * First Bank of the United States creation
Certainly the most notable content is at the back where is found a significant report headed: Congress of the United States" with the text of the creation of the Bank of the United States.
It is titled: "An Act to Incorporate the Subscribers to the Bank of ... See More
Rare graphic issue on "Uncle Tom's Cabin"...
Item #704179
August 02, 1856
THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, England, Aug. 2, 1856
* Uncle Tom's Cabin reading
* Mrs. Mary E. Webb illustration
Inside has a nice article: "Dramatic Reading by a Coloured Native of Philadelphia" accompanied by a print of her captioned: "Mrs. Mary E. Webb (A Coloured Native of Philadelphia) Reading 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' in the Hall of Stafford-House".... See More
The colored men of Washington, D.C. make plea to President Lincoln...
Item #704159
November 03, 1862
PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, Nov. 3, 1862
* The African American Delegation to Abraham Lincoln
* Free Negroes - black colonization in Washington D.C. ?
The most noteworthy article is found on page 4 headed: "Free Colored Emigrants" which is a letter from free Washington, D.C. blacks to President Abraham Lincoln in which they plead that he follow-through on his promise to provide, ... See More
Items on the Revolutionary War in this handsome newspaper...
Item #704133
August 27, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Aug. 27, 1778
* Rare American Revolutionary War title
This title has one of the more ornate mastheads of the Revolutionary War, the lettering so frilly that it is almost difficult to read.
Page 2 has some reports from London noting the king has called in Lt. General Burgoyne, likely to explain his loss at Saratoga.... See More
Thanks to George Washington... Intercepted news from Silas Deane...
Item #704132
December 05, 1781
THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL OR THE NORTH AMERICAN INTELLIGENCER, Philadelphia, Dec. 5, 1781
* American Revolutionary War
* General George Washington
* Foreign diplomat Silas Deane
Much of a front page column is "Contents of a Rebel Mail, Lately Intercepted in Europe" being a continuation of Silas Deane's letter to his brother. There is much content on America's... See More
Charged with piracy...
Item #704091
June 12, 1819
THE UNION, Philadelphia, June 12, 1819 Page 3 has an article: "Piracy" noting in part: "Nathaniel White, who was acquitted in December last of the charge of murder...was arraigned...on the charge of being an accessor to the crime of piracy...To this charge he pleaded guilty..." with more.
Four pages, evening toning, some foxing near the margins, good condition.... See More
Huge eagle engraving in the masthead...
Item #704022
February 02, 1813
COLUMBIAN CHRONICLE, Philadelphia, Feb. 2, 1813
* Great heraldic eagle masthead engraving
Woodcuts of heraldic eagles in mastheads are somewhat common and are always an attractive feature of such newspapers. But this title offers an engraving far beyond the ordinary. The wingspread on this eagle measures 6 3/4 inches, the largest eagle we have seen in an early newspaper.
As such... See More
British officers revolt in New Jersey... News from Pensacola...
Item #703661
August 03, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE, Philadelphia, Aug. 3, 1767
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
* Colonial - Anti-British publication
A fine, colonial newspaper offering a flavor of life in America during the tumultuous period shortly after the Stamp Act, during the hated Quartering Act & Townshend Acts era, and before tensions would boil over with the Boston Massacre of 1770, the T... See More
On quartering troops, a paper currency for the colonies, and more...
Item #703655
June 29, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE, Philadelphia, June 29, 1767
* Colonial era paper currency
* British troops in America
A fine, colonial newspaper offering a flavor of life in America during the tumultuous period shortly after the Stamp Act, during the hated Quartering Act & Townshend Acts era, and before tensions would boil over with the Boston Massacre of 1770, the Tea party in... See More
Very early Billy Joel in 1972...
Item #703619
February 10, 1972
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, Feb. 10, 1972
* Very early Billy Joel performance ad
* American singer - songwriter - pianist
* Bread - soft rock band concert advertisement
Page 38 has a advertisement for upcoming concerts at the Academy of Music including a performance by the "J. Geils Band" with an opening act by a young "Billy Joel" This is i... See More
Laying the cornerstone for the President's House, sort of...
Item #703561
May 26, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 26, 1792
* Philadelphia as the nation's capital (temporary)
* Future "White House" ? - Laying of the cornerstone
Page 3 has a somewhat inconspicuous report reading: "The following inscription is cut on the corner stone lately laid as the foundation of the house designed for the future residence of the President of the United St... See More
Georgetown to be the nation's capital?
Item #703549
THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, October, 1790 The issue begins with the continued: "History of the Life & Character of Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D." which takes 6 pages & includes 4 letters signed by him in type from 1753 & 1754: B. Franklin.Other articles include: "On the Invention of Porcelain in Europe" "Thoughts on Educatio... See More
With the desired Ben Franklin imprint...
Item #703537
July 19, 1753
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 19, 1753
* Most famous of newspapers
* Benjamin Franklin (very rare)
In the imprint at the bottom of the back page is the much desired Benjamin Franklin imprint, noted as: "Printed By B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL at the New Printing Office, near the Market". Franklin would later dissolve his involvement with this news... See More
Anger at Burgoyne for surrendering at Saratoga... Paine talks of "Common Sense"...
Item #703514
September 14, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, Sept. 14, 1779
* Battles of Saratoga - New York
* John Burgoyne defeat criticized
* Thomas Paine re. Common Sense
One-third of the front page and most of a column on page 2 are taken up with a wonderful letter "To Lt. General Burgoyne".
Portions include: "...Hear then, General Burgoyne, what the people know & learn what they ... See More
Much fine war-related content...
Item #703441
November 28, 1778
THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, Nov. 28, 1778
* American Revolutionary War era
* 18th century - from The Enemy
Page 2 has a report noting in part: "...that General Clinton being advised of a body of Washington's troops reining in the Jerseys, consisting of horse, called ably Washington's Regiment...body of infantry in pursuit of them...surprised an... 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
Thomas Paine's the "American Crisis" essay number 10...
Item #703278
March 11, 1782
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER AND THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, March 11, 1782
* American Revolutionary War
* Thomas Paine - essay # 10
* "The American Crisis"
Almost the entire front page is taken up with the printing of: "Common Sense, on the King of England's Speech". This ia actually Thomas Paine's essay #10 of his famous "American Crisis&q... See More
The Bill of Rights...
Item #703267
October 06, 1789
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1789
* Ratification of the "Bill of Rights" - Congress
* United States Constitution - Amendments
Arguably the most significant documents of late 18th century in American history would be the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. This issue contains the latter, printed i... See More
John Hancock signs an Act of the Mass. legislature...
Item #703218
August 07, 1783
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, Aug. 7, 1783
* Governor John Hancock signed act
* State legislature of Massachusetts
Almost the entire issue is taken up with a lengthy Act of the state of Massachusetts, titled: "AN ACT, Laying Duties of Impost and Excise on Certain Goods, Wares and Merchandise therein described...". It is signed at its conclusion on page 4: John Hancock.... See More
Ben Franklin's historic/collectible: "The Morals of Chess"...
Item #703113
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, April, 1792 * Benjamin Franklin - morals of chess
By far the most significant content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals of Chess. By Dr. Franklin", which takes 2 1/2 pages. Note: This essay was first printed in the Columbian Magazine in the Dec. 1786 issue. Regardless, this contemporary printing is among the few publications whi... See More
Very early report of Washington's inaugural address, plus his election as well...
Item #702876
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
Al 'Scarface' Capone in Jail for 1 Year In 1929...
Item #702694
June 27, 1929
CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE, June 27, 1929
* Al 'Scarface' Capone - Chicago Beer baron
* 1 Year Jail term - Avoids murder for hire
* Holmesburg Prison, Philadelphia, Pennsyvania
The top of page 3 has a small one column heading: "Al Capone Says His Jail Isn't So Bad, And Neither Is He" (see) Probably only found is a Chicago publication.
When it comes to g... See More
The only American magazine that published during the heart of the Revolutionary War...
Item #702543
June 01, 1779
THE UNITED STATES MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, June, 1779
* The only American magazine that published during the heart of the Revolutionary War
In the entirety of the Revolutionary War only two American magazines existed, they being this one and the "Pennsylvania Magazine" which published in Philadelphia as well, from January, 1775 thru July, 1776.
The "United States Magazin... See More
Treaty of Peace ending the Revolutionary War: abridged version...
Item #702490
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1783* The Treaty Of Peace (partial)
* John Adams and Ben Franklin (block) signatures
* Reports from New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston
Included is a portion of text headed: "The Definitive Treaty between Great Britain & the United States of America, signed at Paris, the 3rd day of Sept. 1783" the text being just the b... See More
"Cream" farewell tour in 1968....
Item #702254
October 24, 1968
THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, Oct. 24, 1968
* David Peel & The Lower East Side Band
* "Have a Marijuana" debut album advertisement
* CREAM British rock band - Spectrum concert ad
* Eric Clapton - Ginger Baker - Jack Bruce
Page 33 has a 6 x 3 1/2 inch advertisement for "CREAM" for there upcoming appearance at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. ... See More
By the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church...
Item #702175
March 01, 1890
CHILDREN'S WORK FOR CHILDREN, Philadelphia, March, 1890 This was small publication: "published monthly with the sanction of the Board of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church" as noted on the back page.
Twenty pages, 6 by 8 inches, good condition.
Protecting publishers from unscrupulous advertisers...
Item #702160
April 01, 1887
THE AGENTS' HERALD, Philadelphia, April, 1887 An interesting newspaper whose purpose is perhaps best detailed by an article in another newspaper from 1883:
"There are probably but few country newspaper publishers, who have not at some time been swindled by plausible but dishonest advertising dead-beats, who obtain their advertising by means of fair and liberal promises, but never p... See More
A newspaper for children...
Item #702154
March 01, 1866
THE YOUNG REAPER, Philadelphia, March 1, 1866 This is one of several newspapers for children that were common in the post-Civil War years.
Four pages, a graphic masthead, good condition.
For the working man...
Item #702141
August 09, 1884
LABOR WORLD, Philadelphia, Aug. 9, 1884 This is a union-focused newspaper, in support of the working man. The full front page is a political cartoon showing "Columbia" and President G. Cleveland.
Eight pages, various wear at the margins, some archival mends at margin tears.
Interesting & unusual masthead...
Item #702122
August 01, 1886
THE PUBLIC HERALD, Philadelphia, August, 1886 Printed in the masthead is: "Truth and Justice the Foe of Fraud and Corruption" with the interesting masthead engraving showing the "eye of truth" shining upon a devil.
Sixteen pages, 11 1/4 by 15 1/2 inches, a small hole in the front & back leaves, good condition.
An uncommon title...
Item #702036
May 01, 1889
THE AGENTS' HERALD, Philadelphia, May, 1889 An eclectic newspaper with a wide variety of articles. The back page is quite decorative, taken up with portraits of all Presidents from 1789 thru 1889.
Sixteen pages, 10 3/4 by 15 1/2 inches, minor margin wear, good condition.
Honoring the Rev. Dr. Joseph Priestley...
Item #702008
April 08, 1797
AURORA GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 8, 1797 Both the front page and page 2 have advertisements for a circus, which is early for such ads in America. Page 2 also has an article on: "Doctor Priestley" reporting on an event honoring the Rev. Dr. Joseph Priestley, credited with discovering oxygen.
Four pages, great condition.
AI notes: In 1774, Dr. Joseph Priestley, an E... See More
A religious and literary journal...
Item #701992
February 07, 1844
THE FRIEND, Philadelphia, Feb. 7, 1844 Although it calls itself "A Religious & Literary Journal" the content includes secular material as well.
Eight pages, 9 by 11 inches, very nice condition.
Printed on aqua-tinted paper...
Item #701980
September 10, 1814
AMERICAN WEEKLY MESSENGER, Philadelphia, Sept. 10, 1814 The content is mostly concerning military events in Europe. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this issue is the color of the paper, having a decidedly blue-green tint, which is unusual.
Sixteen pages, 6 by 10 inches, very nice condition.
Misspelled title, and much on the War of 1812...
Item #701979
March 26, 1814
AMERICAN WEEKLY MSESENGER, Philadelphia, March 26, 1814 No, we did not misspell the title. The typesetter misspelled what was to have been "Messenger", a rather rare find in the rare newspaper hobby & a curious addition to any collection as such.
Among the articles are: "Character of Tecumseh" which takes 1 1/2 pages; "The Great Coastwise Inland Navigation from ... See More
Much reporting on the War of 1812...
Item #701978
July 02, 1814
AMERICAN WEEKLY MESSENGER, Philadelphia, July 2, 1814
* USS Independence launching
* United States Navy 74-gun ship
* War of 1812
This issue has a wealth of content on the War of 1812. Included on the back page is: "Launch Of The Seventy-Four" which was the USS Independence. This was the first ship-of-the-line launched for the U.S. Navy from the Boston (Charles... See More
What is this newspaper about?
Item #701797
February 22, 1896
THE YALLER DOG, Philadelphia, Feb. 22, 1896 A most unusual newspaper about which I can find nothing. It appears to be a comic newspaper based on the content. The dateline notes: "Born in the Pen and Pencil Club, Philadelphia, at 6 p.m., February 22, 1896. Died early on the morning of February 23. No Inquest".
This comment would seem to indicate this was the only issue publis... See More
Perhaps the best Lincoln funeral issue to be had...
Item #701645
April 25, 1865
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, April 25, 1865
* Abraham Lincoln assassination
* Terrific funeral issue for display
I have always considered this to be the most dramatic issue on the Lincoln funeral we have ever encountered, and we've had many great issues of the era. This title and date remain very elusive, and for good reason.
Most of the front page is taken up with a huge eng... See More
A graphic issue on the final days of the Civil War...
Item #701629
April 04, 1865
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, April 4, 1865
* The fall of Richmond, the Confederate capital
* Terrific heraldic eagle & and more for display
A wonderfully graphic issue on the capture of the Confederate capture, foretelling the doom of the Confederacy and the end of the Civil War within day.
The front page has a map of the Richmond vicinity above which is a heraldic eagle with... See More
Jeff Davis dressed as a woman to escape?
Item #701628
May 16, 1865
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, May 16, 1865 An interesting graphic on the front page with a full-figure print of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, as captured dressed in woman's clothes. It is headed: "JEFF. DAVIS As 'The Stern Statesman'--Last Act".
In reality, upon his capture he was wearing a long overcoat which some mistook as a woman's dress, and of course th... See More
Existed for just eleven issues during the Fair...
Item #701620
October 26, 1865
THE KNAPSACK, Philadelphia, Oct. 26, 1865
* Rare fair publication
* Civil War reconstruction
This was a daily newspaper that existed for just eleven issues, beginning October 24 and ending November 4. This was the journal for the Soldiers & Sailors Home Fair, one of several events held throughout & following the Civil War, this event to raise funds for the Soldiers & Sail... See More
With the original wrappers & all plates, plus a postage receipt for this title...
Item #701589
November 01, 1862
PETERSON'S MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, November, 1862 Although not an uncommon title, this item is doubly interesting. This issue was never bound nor trimmed, as more typically found, still having the original outer wrappers and still having the eleven full page plates of fashions of the day and other items. One of the prints is hand-colored.
The other interesting item is the receipt for po... See More
If you are searching for a newspaper from a specific date, please note that we have a vast selection available for purchase by using the date picker on our
gifts and birthday newspapers page.
An Inside Look
Timothy Hughes Rare &
Early Newspapers…
A special thank you goes out
to the staff of WGRC!
to the staff of WGRC!
History's Newsstand Blog
- They Put It In Print – A U.S. President Seeks Permission…
- From the Vault: Headlines drive interest in World War II…
- Headlines That Never Happened: Germany’s Loss and Its Lasting Echoes…
- October Newsletter (2025) – Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers…
Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers
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
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
