One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #710010
May 15, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, May 15, 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 newspa... See More
The Gettysburg Address in a Pennsylvania newspaper...
Item #708573
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
The legendary "called shot" home run by Babe Ruth, in a Chicago newspaper...
Item #707386
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
Earliest newspaper in your collection?
Item #706231
October 20, 1641
NOUVELLES, Paris, France, Oct. 20, 1641
* Earliest newspaper in your collection?
The heading roughly translates to: "Ordinary News". This issue predates the earliest English language newspaper we have in our inventory. It was the "sister" publication of the "Gazette", the very first regular newspaper published in France, started in 1631 by Théophraste Ren... See More
Rare Confederate title with good war content...
Item #705331
September 17, 1863
WESTERN SENTINEL, Winston, North Carolina, September 17, 1863
* Rare Confederate title from the Civil War
This is a very rare title from the Confederacy. According to Brigham only four institutions in the United States have any holdings of this title from the Civil War, most just a few scattered issues. The American Antiquarian Society has no issues recorded from this era.
The entire ... See More
Grenada Confederate newspaper... Battle of Antietam...
Item #705275
October 02, 1862
THE MEMPHIS DAILY APPEAL, Grenada, Mississippi, Oct. 2, 1862
* Very rare Confederate title
* Publisher on the run
* Battle of Antietam
If the title and city of publication seem to be in conflict, they are not. This newspaper had a fascinating history during the Civil War. Memphis was a Confederate stronghold up through the Battle of Memphis on June 6, 1862, at which time the Yankees ... See More
Exceedingly rare Napoleon occupation newspaper...
Item #705267
May 01, 1811
COURRIER D'AMSTERDAM or the COURIER VAN AMSTERDAM, May 1, 1811 (No. 122)
* Exceedingly rare Napoleon Bonaparte occupation newspaper
This was a daily newspaper published in Amsterdam during the French occupation of Holland. It is bilingual: half printed in French and half in Dutch. Two mastheads as well, one in each language.
In 1810 Napoleon Bonaparte annexed Holland to his empire... See More
Earliest newspaper in your collection?
Item #704575
November 09, 1641
NOUVELLES, Paris, France, 11The heading roughly translates to: "Ordinary News"." This issue predates the earliest English language newspaper we have in our inventory. It was the "sister" publication of the "Gazette", the very first regular newspaper published in France, started in 1631 by Théophraste Renaudot but with influential backing by the powerful Ca... See More
Great Chicago Fire issue in a Chicago newspaper...
Item #704514
October 18, 1871
THE CHICAGO TIMES, Oct. 18, 1871 A terrific issue from shortly after the disastrous fire which destroyed much of the city, and while it was beginning to recover.
The first column heads include: "THE FIRE" "A Resume of the Great Calamity" "Detailed Account of Its Origin and Progress" "The Destructive Advance of the Flames Through the City" "Scenes... See More
The great Philadelphia State House print...
Item #704435
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1752 Despite the 48 pages of text within this issue the prime content is certainly the full page plate captioned: "A View of the State House in Philadelphia" which would later be known as Independence Hall.This is a print of this famous building 24 years before it would become much more famous. It is one of the earliest prints of ... See More
Notable ad for Paine's "Common Sense"... Much on the faltering relationship with America...
Item #704396
January 18, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Jan. 18, 1776 Wonderful to find a newspaper not just dated 1776, but from Philadelphia.
The entire front page is taken up with reports from Parliament, much concerning the tension with the American colonies. A few items include: "...we behold, with the utmost concern, the disorders & discontents in the British Colonies, rather increased... See More
Death of Ben Franklin...
Item #704390
April 24, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 24, 1790 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" beginning: "Died on Saturday night... See More
Significant Washington letter to the Jewish congregation of Newport...
Item #704389
September 15, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 15, 1790
* President George Washington
* Letter to the Jewish congregation
* Newport, Rhode Island - Jews
* Historic Judaica item - Moses Seixas
The back page contains one of the more significant Judaica items found in an American newspaper.
It presents the full text of the: "Address Of The Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Isl... See More
Broadside edition of this famous title, with good content...
Item #704385
January 08, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Jan. 8, 1782 Apparently a quite unusual broadside edition as the issue is a single sheet with the back page blank. If page 2 had text I would suspect that the back leaf was missing, but the front page text concludes on the front page and the reverse is entirely blank.
The front page has an item including: "...from Paris...th... See More
From rough & tumble Deadwood, Dakota Territory...
Item #704260
May 24, 1889
DEADWOOD DAILY PIONEER, Black Hills, (South Dakota) May 24, 1889
* Rare publication
* Famous wild West town
* "Wild Bill" Hickok fame
This city would arguably be--along with Tombstone & Dodge City--one of the more famous of all the towns from the rough & tumble days of the Old West, and only rarely do such issues come to light. It attracted larger-than-life Old West... See More
From rough & tumble Deadwood, Dakota Territory...
Item #704229
June 20, 1882
BLACK HILLS DAILY PIONEER, Deadwood City, Black Hills, Nov. 24, 1878
* Rare publication
* Famous wild West town
* "Wild Bill" Hickok fame
This city would arguably be--along with Tombstone & Dodge City--one of the more famous of all the towns from the rough & tumble days of the Old West, and only rarely do such issues come to light.
This issue is from the "hey... See More
Wild Bill Hickok...
Item #704224
HARPER'S NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE, (New York), February, 1867 * Wild Bill Hickok
* Folklore hero of Old West
* Gunfighter & scout
Featured on the front page is a great full-figure print of "Wild Bill" Hickok, one of the most notable names from the Old West who was very much a legend in his own time.
Such a print of him is rarely found in newspapers or magazines, and in... See More
Great Tombstone newspaper printed 3 months before the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral...
Item #704222
July 26, 1881
THE TOMBSTONE EPITAPH, Cochise County, Arizona, July 26, 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... 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
The first full-fledged Broadway musical...
Item #704206
September 13, 1866
NEW YORK TIMES, September 11, 12 & 13, 1866 (3-issue set)
* "The Black Crook" opening premiere
* Very first musical theatre performance of the first ever modern day musical!
* Niblo's Garden - Broadway - New York City
A terrific and very historic trio of newspapers relating to the first theatrical musical, "The Black Crook".
As Wikipedia notes: "Its signif... See More
Billy the Kid, Pat Garett, Virgil & Wyatt Earp, Frank Stilwell, Johnny Behan...
Item #704204
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
Synagogues hold memorial services... Much on the assassination & funeral of Lincoln...
Item #704120
April 21, 1865
NEW YORK HERALD, April 21, 1865
* Rare 1st-page mentions of Synagogue services
* Re: Abraham Lincoln's assassination & funeral
* Black mourning borders on all eight pages
Perhaps the most noteworthy coverage is the front-page details regarding various services being held at local synagogues - which includes the congregations at "B'nai Israel," "Bikur Cholim... See More
Tonnage Act: further defining the historic Tariff Act of 1789...
Item #703740
July 22, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 22, 1789 Most of page 2 and a bit of page 2 are taken up with "Sketches of the Proceedings of Congress" providing interesting insight into the discussion of the very new federal government.
Page 3 has the full text of: "An Act Imposing duties on Tonnage" signed in type by the President: G. Washington, and the Vice Preside... See More
House of Representatives' version of the Bill of Rights...
Item #703725
August 29, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, August 29, 1789 This is a very significant issue, as page 2 contains an early version of the historic Bill of Rights.
As a brief history, the Constitution was signed in September 1787 and sent to the Congress. Eleven days later, it was submitted to the states for ratification. But as the people began to examine the document, they came to share the sen... See More
Lincoln steps upon the national stage... The Cooper Union speech...
Item #703677
February 28, 1860
NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, Feb. 28, 1860
* Abraham Lincoln address
* Cooper Institute Union speech
* New York City
The front page has over five columns devoted to coverage of this famous speech which is headed: "NATIONAL POLITICS" "A Speech Delivered at the Cooper Institute Last Evening, by Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois".
At this point Lincoln had not declared... See More
Front page print shows Lincoln being assassinated...
Item #703670
April 29, 1865
FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, New York, Apr. 29, 1865
* Famous Abraham Lincoln assassination issue
This issue remains one of the most desired for this historic, tragic event, as it is one of the only newspapers which included a front page graphic showing the actual assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
Over half of the front page is taken up with a very dramatic print captioned: "A... See More
The King declares Americans are free & independent...
Item #703552
December 10, 1782
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Dec. 10, 1782 Certainly the most notable content is that found on pages 2 & 3, the very historic speech by the King of England to his Parliament, dated Dec. 5, 1782.
In this notable speech the King declares that the Americans are free & independent people. Much can be seen in the photos but some of the more important portions include: "...I lost no... See More
Handsome colonial issue from New York...
Item #703521
June 12, 1769
THE NEW YORK GAZETTE & THE WEEKLY MERCURY, June 12, 1769 Most of the front page is a lengthy essay: "A Whip for the American Whig", which is primarily of a religious nature but does make reference to the Stamp Act, the Sons of Liberty, etc.
Page 2 has several political items from this year before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, including reference to John Dickinson'... See More
The Boston Massacre: the definitive report in a London newspaper...
Item #703367
April 24, 1770
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 24, 1770 This is simply a terrific issue as it gives an excellent account of the Boston Massacre as taken from the "Boston Gazette" newspaper of March 12, 1770, the issue so famous that it was reprinted due to its excellent account of this, one of the most famous events of the 18th century, and a catalyst for action which would result in the Rev... See More
The Articles of Confederation...
Item #703335
April 29, 1778
THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, April 29, 1778
* The Articles of Confederation (historic)
* American Revolutionary War
This was the very first newspaper in New Jersey, having begun in December, 1777. This is issue number 22.
There are only a handful of documents in American history which can be considered cornerstones in the creation of our national government, which would include ... See More
A very rare American newspaper that existed for just seven issues...
Item #703276
June 25, 1776
THE AMERICAN GAZETTE; OR THE CONSTITUTIONAL JOURNAL, Salem, Massachusetts, June 25, 1776
* Very rare Revolutionary War publication
* Volume 1 Number 2 issue - great year to have
This is the volume one, number two issue of a very rare newspaper. Its rarity would seem to be sufficient for its desirability, as it existed for only seven weekly issues, from June 18 thru July 30, 1776... 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
Very significant & rare "pillar cartoon" issue... Massachusetts ratifies the Constitution, in a Boston newspaper...
Item #703264
March 01, 1788
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, March 1, 1788
* United States Constitution
* State of New Hampshire
* Pillar illustration - cartoon
This is one of the most desired & elusive issues of this title to be had, as it contains one of the cherished "pillar cartoons". The only other newspaper we have discovered that used the pillar cartoons is the Independent Chronic... See More
House of Representatives' version of the Bill of Rights...
Item #703196
August 29, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, August 29, 1789
* U.S. Congress version of the "Bill of Rights"
* United States Constitution - Amendments
* Presidents George Washington & John Adams
This is a very significant issue, as page 2 contains an early version of the historic Bill of Rights.
As a brief history, the Constitution was signed in September 1787 and sent to t... See More
First known U.K. printing...
Ben Franklin's historic/collectible essay: "The morals of Chess"...
Item #703114
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1787 * Benjamin Franklin - Morals of Chess
* re. U.S. Constitution - George Washington
The most notable content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals Of Chess, By Dr. Franklin of Philadelphia", which takes nearly two pages. The article begins: "The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement; several very valuable q... 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
Early American title from the French & Indian War...
Item #702912
May 13, 1762
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER AND NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE, May 13, 1762
* Rare Colonial Massachusetts
* St. Augustine, Florida
This is a much later issue of America's first successful newspaper, founded in 1704.
The top of the ftpg. has a nice recruiting advertisements to enlist soldiers to fight in the on-going French & Indian War: "For Recruiting His Majesty's Regular Forc... See More
Small newspaper from an Alaska mining town...
Item #702907
July 04, 1901
ALASKA FORUM, Rampart, Alaska, July 4, 1901
* Yukon-Koyukuk
* Klondike gold rush era
* Very rare publication
This is the volume 1, number 41 issue of a newspaper from this mining town which lasted only until 1906. Gregory (Union List of American Newspapers) notes that only the Alaska Historical Society has scattered issues of this title and they do not have this date.
Various local ... See More
Rare and early title from Honolulu...
Item #702904
February 22, 1845
THE POLYNESIAN, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands, Feb. 22, 1845
* 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
Death of famed actress Jean Harlow...
Item #702902
June 08, 1937
SAN FRANCISCO CHRTONICLE, California, June 8, 1937
* Actress Jean Harlow death (1st report)
* 1930's sex symbol - Blonde bombshell
The top of the front page has a photo headed: "HER UNPLAYED ROLE - Death Rewrote Her Script", which is followed by the related article: Death Ends Career of Jean Harlow. She was 26 years old. The article includes in part: "Jean Harlow, t... See More
Edmund Halley (23 years old)... Significant issue on the Popish Plot...
Item #702887
April 10, 1679
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, April 10, 1679
* Early mention of Edmund Halley (he was only 23 years old)
* Popish Plot (to kill King Charles II)
The back page has not one but two items concerning the Popish Plot in England, a contrived conspiracy to accuse Catholic leaders of plotting to kill King Charles II.
A report from Dublin notes: "A Proclamation has
... 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
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
Thomas Jefferson's inaugural address...
Item #702705
March 14, 1805
BOSTON GAZETTE, March 14, 1805
* President Thomas Jefferson
* Inauguration - inaugural address
Page 2 has the lengthy: "President Jefferson's Speech" which is his inaugural address, introduced with: "This day, at 12 o'clock, Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, took the oath of office & delivered the following Inaugural Speech..." which tak... See More
Lewis and Clark begin their epic Voyage of Discovery...
Item #702702
November 26, 1803
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL & MASSACHUSETTS FEDERALIST, Boston, Nov. 26, 1803 (at a slightly reduced price)
* Lewis and Clark Expedition begins
* Louisville, Kentucky - Ohio River
Page 2 has several items concerning the recent Louisiana Purchase, but certainly the most significant is a report from Louisville noting: "Capt. Clark, and Mr. Lewis, have left this place in the prosecution of th... See More
Campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President... Great political cartoon for a masthead...
Item #702595
August 10, 1848
THE BATTERY, Washington, Aug. 10 1848
* Great political themed masthead engraving
* Supporting Zachery Taylor for president
This was a campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President and Millard Fillmore for Vice President.
In the era before radio, television, and the internet it was not uncommon for political parties to create short-lived newspapers to support their can... See More
Campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President... Great political cartoon for a masthead...
Item #702591
July 13, 1848
THE BATTERY, Washington, July 13, 1848 This was a campaign newspaper supporting Zachary Taylor for President and Millard Fillmore for Vice President. And it is the volume 1, number 2 issue.
In the era before radio, television, and the internet it was not uncommon for political parties to create short-lived newspapers to support their candidate and publicize their political platform. Such ne... See More
Jefferson's first inaugural address...
Item #702589
March 20, 1801
MIDDLESEX GAZETTE, Middletown, Connecticut, March 20, 1801 A fine issue as the front page contains in its entirety the inaugural address of Thomas Jefferson's term.
This is a report from Washington, the address prefaced with a letter from him: "Sir, I get leave through you, to inform the honorable House of Representatives of the U. States, that I shall take the oath which the const... See More
On the Lewis & Clark Expedition, reported on the front page...
Item #702570
March 05, 1806
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 5, 1806 The front page has a nice "Message" to the Congress signed in type by the President: Th. Jefferson, with much concerning the Lewis & Clark Expedition, including: "...Capt. Meriwether Lewis...was appointed, with a party of men, to explore the river Missouri from its mouth to its source, and crossing the highlands by the shortest por... See More
Colonies wish to declare themselves "free and independent"...
Item #702531
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1776 * American Independence
* John Hancock (July, 1776)
* Great month & Year to have
It is rare to find newspapers or magazines with the magical date of "July, 1776". Here is one.
The first article is: "Debate on the American Restraining Bill" with has much interesting reading and takes six pages. There are also 3 page... See More
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Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers
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Phone: 1-570-326-1045
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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
