Historic Newspapers: Search Results

THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY, Or Thomas's Boston Journal, October 27, 1774

• Extremely rare publication w/ Paul Revere
• Pre American Revolutionary War era
• "Join or Die" snake issue masthead

It would be difficult to properly place both the scarcity and desirability of this newspaper in the context 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 commonly used in

THE LONDON COURANT, England, Oct. 25, 1746

• Jacobite Rebellion era
• Nice masthead engravings

The masthead features two engravings, one showing a sailing ship and the other a post-boy 'trumpeting' the news.
Various news from Europe with most of the back page taken up with advertisements.
Complete as a single sheet issue, the margins appear to have been hand-trimmed close to the text but not affecting any letters, otherwise good condition.

Background: This issue of The London Courant dated October

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, June 18, 1798

• Nice masthead engraving
• 18th century America

If you are looking for a handsome American newspaper of the 1700's which is displayable & priced reasonably, this is one of the best. This title features one of the more decorative mastheads of the era.
Complete in 4 pages, never-trimmed margins, some tiny binding holes along the spine, a little light foxing, two small, darker stains on the back page, generally in very nice

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Aug. 7, 1794

• Nice masthead engraving
• 18th century America

See the handsome masthead of this newspaper. Page 3 has: "Concorde Frigate" and another report being a letter from a person on board the Concorde.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, somewhat irregular at the margins, nice condition.

Background: The masthead of the Independent Chronicle & Universal Advertiser in the 1790s was considered attractive and authoritative for its era, relying on strong typographic

UNITED STATES CATHOLIC INTELLIGENCER, Boston, March 16, 1832

• Large masthead with a heraldic eagle

This rather rare title lasted for just one year, having begun in October, 1831 and ending in September, 1832. The issue is a "vol. III" issue as this publication was preceded by one titled "Jesuit, or Catholic Sentinel" and they kept the same volume numbering. It was also, curiously, superseded by the same title as well.
Its most striking feature is the very large & deep masthead, taking close to

GLEASON'S LITERARY COMPANION, Boston, Sept. 12, 1863

• Heraldic eagle masthead engraving
• Uncommon publication - Civil War era

This was one of several titles published by the successful Frederick Gleason, known as the "father of illustrated journalism" with this very successful "Gleason's Pictorial Drawing-Room Companion" in 1851, modelled after the "Illustrated London News" & later copied by both Harper and Leslie.
This was a literary publication from the Civil War era, the prime feature being the

THE BATTERY, Washington, Aug. 17 1848

• President Zachary Taylor
• Rare campaign publication
• Nice masthead for display

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 candidate and publicize their political platform. Such newspapers were short-lived; once the election was over so was the

THE PIONEER, San Jose, California, May 24, 1879

• Rare Old West publication
• Santa Clara Valley
• Nice masthead for display

The masthead notes: "Devoted To The Interests Of The Pioneers of California And the Resources of the Golden State." The masthead is one of the more graphic we have seen, featuring three vignettes: one of settlers traveling, one of a bear, and another of a detailed mining scene.
The front page has a lengthy & descriptive article: "The Bear Flag War--Its Defenders" which includes

THE OGDEN JUNCTION, Utah, Dec. 21, 1872

• Rare old West publication
• Utah territory - nice masthead

The masthead includes prints of two trains coming together, signifying the celebration at nearby Promontory Point of the joining of the East and West Coast by railroad just 4 years previous. This issue is from 24 years before Utah statehood. This is a volume 1 issue.
Gregory notes that only 3 institutions have any holdings including one with just a single issue and another with just scattered

THE BOSTON INVESTIGATOR, Boston, Massachusetts, 1880-1882  A newspaper which holds the distinction of being the first American newspaper dedicated to the philosophy of freethought. Each issue has a highly displayable graphic masthead which includes the text: Truth, Perseverance, Union, Justice - The Means, Happiness the End, Hear All Sides - Then Decide, with various depictions of books labelled, Hume, Voltaire, Jefferson, Paine, Ingersoll, Volney, and two others we have yet have confidence as

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 this title is collectable for the masthead engraving alone, however it has War of 1812 content as well (see photos).

THE PIONEER, San Jose, California, May 31, 1879

• Rare Old West publication
• Santa Clara Valley
• Nice masthead for display

The masthead notes: "Devoted To The Interests Of The Pioneers of California And the Resources of the Golden State." The masthead is one of the more graphic we have seen, featuring three vignettes: one of settlers traveling, one of a bear, and another of a detailed mining scene.
The front page has a lengthy & descriptive article: "The Bear Flag War--Its Defenders" which includes

COLUMBIAN CHRONICLE, Philadelphia, July 5, 1811

• Great heraldic eagle masthead engraving

See the photo for perhaps the largest heraldic eagle engraving to be found in a masthead, the wingspan stretching nearly 7 inches. The ftpg. has various "Foreign Intelligence" including: "Confirmation of Massena's Defeat" with more news & ads inside.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, very nice condition & quite displayable.

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 candidate and publicize their political platform. Such newspapers were short-lived; once the election was over so was the

THE BATTERY, Washington, July 13, 1848

• President Zachary Taylor
• Rare campaign publication
• Nice masthead for display

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 newspapers were short-lived;

PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, March 26, 1798

• Rare 18th century American publication

The masthead features an engraving of a porcupine. The entire front page is taken up with ads, as is page 4 which includes one for a runaway slave headed: "Twenty Dollars Reward"
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, a little ink dirtiness to a front page margin,  nice condition.

Background: The March 26, 1798 issue of William Cobbett's Porcupine's Gazette in Philadelphia highlights the tumultuous

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.

MIDDLESEX GAZETTE, Middletown, Connecticut, March 22, 1826

• Ornate eagle masthead
• Middletown, Connecticut

Here is a nice, four page newspaper which contains a rather ornate masthead which features an engraving of a heraldic eagle in the center.

A displayable issue as such. Various news of the day & a wealth of ads as well, many of which are illustrated. Little foxing and minor margin wear, otherwise in good condition.

GLEASON'S WEEKLY LINE OF THE BATTLE SHIP, Boston, July 16, 1859

• Rare title w/ great masthead

This title has one of the largest & most decorative mastheads of the 19th century with a decorative border around all pages.
The front page has a wonderful naval print captioned: "The War In Italy--Capture of Austrian Merchantmen by the Boats of the French Squadron".
Other prints include: "The Late Austrian Field-Marshal Radetsky" "Bass Fishing" "London & Paris Fashions for July" and: "Entrance to the

THE WEEKLY ITHACAN, Ithaca, New York, September 30, 1881

• Uncommon title from Ithaca, New York
• Decorative masthead

This issue has an intriguing and ornate masthead, which I suspect shows the campus of Cornell University.

News of the day with many ads. Complete in 8 pages, never bound nor trimmed, mild wear at margins.

OLIVE BRANCH, Boston, 1850-1856  A lot of four issues in mixed condition, all with a great masthead and with at least some westward-expansion themed reporting and/or advertising.  One of the more decorative mastheads  of the era.  Four pages, some fold wear, edge tears, etc.  All issues are complete and are offered at a significant discount over their single issue price. The image shown is an example of the look and condition of a typical paper from this lot.  Actual issues vary within the

THE WASHINGTONIAN, Windsor, Vermont, July 20, 1812

• Nice masthead for display

The dominant feature of this issue is the very displayable masthead, featuring a large engraving of a heraldic eagle with an 11-inch banner. Although we once had many of this title, this is one of our last.
Printed during the early months of the War of 1812, it is not surprising that pages 2, 3 & 4 have some war-related reports.
Four pages, a few minor binding slots at the blank spine, very nice condition.

GLEASON'S WEEKLY LINE OF THE BATTLE SHIP, Boston, July 16, 1859

• Rare title w/ great masthead

This title has one of the largest & most decorative mastheads of the 19th century with a decorative border around all pages.
The front page has a wonderful naval print captioned: "The War In Italy--Capture of Austrian Merchantmen by the Boats of the French Squadron".
Other prints include: "The Late Austrian Field-Marshal Radetsky" "Bass Fishing" "London & Paris Fashions for July" and: "Entrance to the

UNITED STATES CATHOLIC INTELLIGENCER, Boston, Massachusetts, 1832

• Rare & early Catholic religion newspaper
• Huge masthead with a heraldic eagle

This rather rare title lasted for just one year, having begun in October, 1831 and ending in September, 1832. The issue is a "vol. III" issue as this publication was preceded by one titled "Jesuit, or Catholic Sentinel" and they kept the same volume numbering. It was also, curiously superseded by the same title as well.
Its most striking feature is the

OLIVE BRANCH, Boston, 1850-1856  A lot of four issues in mixed condition, all with a great masthead and with at least some westward-expansion themed reporting and/or advertising.  One of the more decorative mastheads of the era.  Four pages, some fold wear, edge tears, etc.  All issues are complete and are offered at a significant discount over their single-issue price. The image shown is an example of the look and condition of a typical paper from this lot.  Actual issues vary within the date

SUNDAY TIMES, N.Y., 1849-1852 The photo shows the very nice masthead of this title which measures 15 1/2 inches across and is 3 inches tall. Mostly topical reports and literary-related content, some ads.
Some lite staining, a little foxing, and a few small margin tears, but in overall average or better condition.
The issue you receive will differ in date and content from the one shown, but it will be similar and will have the displayable masthead.

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 of this newspaper, shows a snake cut into various pieces, each with a label of a colony with the implied message that only by each of the separate

GLEASON'S WEEKLY LINE-OF-BATTLE SHIP, Boston, April 9, 1859  Talk about an ornate masthead--see the photos for not only one of the larger mastheads, but one of the most ornate and handsome to be had of the 19th century. Nice & quite large illus. of a 3 masted ship, with other embellishments.
This issue has many tears at the edge, a few extending into the prints or text, but fortunately no loss on the front page. The back leaf has a piece mising and a tear completely thru the middle.
An

LUTHERAN OBSERVER, Phila., Oct. 26, 1877. Has two mastheads, one for the section containing religious-related content, and the other for the section containing secular news and content. First leaf has an archival mend in the right margin, small address label in the second masthead, minor edge wear, otherwise in good, uncut condition.

JOHN BULL, London, October 5, 1823

• Unusual masthead that features the Holy Bible
• Uncommon title

The unusual masthead of this title features an engraving of a crown place upon the Holy Bible. Beneath the engraving are the words: "For God, The King, And The People!"

This has all ads on the front page, some commentary & the proceedings of Parliament, and more ads.

Measures about 16 1/4 by 11 1/4 inches, 8 pgs., has a light red-inked tax stamp in the lower right margin. Occasional foxing.

NOTTINGHAM JOURNAL, England, July 7, 1810

• Nice masthead engraving for display

Perhaps the finest feature is the beautiful masthead, with very ornate lettering and a handsome engraving as the central feature. Also a partial red tax stamp at the top. 
Four pages, great condition.

OLIVE BRANCH, Boston, 1854 and 1856  A lot of four issues in mixed condition, all with a great masthead and with at least some westward-expansion themed reporting and/or advertising.  One of the more decorative mastheads  of the era. 
Four pages, some fold wear, edge tears, etc.  All issues are complete and are offered at a significant discount over their single issue price. The image shown is an example of the look and condition of a typical paper from this lot.  Actual issues vary within the

THE NORFOLK CHRONICLE; OR NORWICH GAZETTE, England, March 3, 1810

• Rare early 19th century publication

A typical newspaper of the day with mostly British news items & the front page filled with advertisements. Full red tax stamp in the masthead and a nice engraving of the coat-of-arms in the masthead as well.
Four pages, nice condition.

Background: The Norfolk Chronicle; or Norwich Gazette was a weekly newspaper published in Norwich, England, beginning in the late 18th century and continuing

THE KNAPSACK, New York, Nov. 27, 1879

• Civil War veterans

Described in the masthead as: "A Daily Journal Of The Seventh Regiment New Armory Fair", this very short-lived publication lasted for just 18 issues, likely the length of the fair which supported the interests of veterans of the Civil War.
Its best feature may well be the beautiful & ornate masthead which has a distinctly military theme, showing a Civil War-era knapsack with other military accouterments.
The content has much on the

OLIVE BRANCH, Boston, 1850-1856  A lot of four issues in mixed condition, all with a great masthead and with at least some westward-expansion themed reporting and/or advertising.  One of the more decorative mastheads  of the era. 
Four pages, some fold wear, edge tears, etc.  All issues are complete and are offered at a significant discount over their single issue price. The image shown is an example of the look and condition of a typical paper from this lot.  Actual issues vary within the

NEW HAMPSHIRE JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE, Manchester, July 2, 1862

• Great masthead engraving

The title reflects the theme of this issue, being primarily a farming-related newspaper with agricultural concerns taking much of the front page and some inside space as well. However Civil War reporting is found on pages 2 & 3 with a review of the week's battle events and military concerns.
Of added significance is the large and very decorative masthead engraving (see photos) which includes a central

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, 1832; Oct. 6, 1832; Nov. 10, 1832; Nov. 17, 1832; Dec. 8, 1832; and April 4, 1833.
Note that the title changes from: "Rail-Road

MIDDLESEX GAZETTE, Middletown, Connecticut, 1826 Not only is this a nice, "newsy" newspaper from the early part of the 19th century, but perhaps the best feature of this issue is the very handsome masthead which includes nice lettering and a large engraving of a heraldic eagle with sunrays emanating behind it, making it a nice candidate for display. Many of the ads are illustrated as well. Complete in 4 pages, folio size, some scattered foxing, generally in very nice condition. Rarely do we

THE FLORIDA DISPATCH, Jacksonville, July 18, 1887  Noted in the masthead: "Official Organ Of The Florida Fruit Growers' Assoc. & the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Growers' Protective Assoc." with the content, and the ads, focused on such.
Handsome masthead, 20 pages, 10 1/4 by 13 1/4 inches, small binding slits at the spine, nice condition.

MASONIC MIRROR, Philadelphia & New York, Sept. 1, 1858  In the dateline is: "Devoted To The Diffusion Of Masonic Intelligence, Fine Arts, Literature, News, etc."
This little newspaper published for the Masons has a very graphic, Masonic-theme engraving in the masthead. Some masonic content but other items as well.
Twelve pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches, great condition.

THE ENGLISH CHRONICLE & WHITEHALL EVENING POST, London, England, Oct. 4, 1803  One of the less common titles of early 19th century England, this issue added to the private collection because of the nice engraving in the masthead. This is the first of this title we have offered.
Various reports of the day including many with a military theme. Page 2 has mention of Admiral Nelson.
Four pages, very nice condition.

Background: The English Chronicle and the Whitehall Evening Post were prominent

KENTISH GAZETTE, Canterbury, England, 1795  We seldom have titles to offer from Canterbury, and this newspaper has one of the more decorative & beautiful mastheads of the era. Note the two very detailed engravings on either side, one of which is the fabled Canterbury Cathedral. A coat-of-arms in the middle, with very ornate lettering for 'Kentish Gazette'.
A fine issue of this title, complete in 4 pages, very nice, clean condition, with typical news & ads of the day.

POMEROY'S ILLUSTRATED DEMOCRAT, Chicago, Oct. 5, 1878  Not only does this have a very decorative masthead (see the print of a $2 bill), but the front page has a large illustration of: "The Great American Show".
Eight pages, various tears at margins & folds with a few small pieces missing.

PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, March 14, 1798  This was William Cobbett's important and controversial--but short-lived--daily newspaper.
Cobbett was a prolific & controversial publisher who often wrote under the pen-name of "Peter Porcupine." Note the engraving of a porcupine in the masthead. He was famous for sniping at his political opponents, usually those of a Jeffersonian-Republican sentiment. The first issue appeared on March 4, 1797 and the newspaper lasted but 770 issues.
Four

DER BEOBACHTER (The Observer), Germany, Feb. 25, 1935  Obviously a newspaper of the Nazi party as the masthead includes 3 swastika symbols (see).
Complete in 12 pages, 12 by 18 1/4 inches, cleanly cut at the blank spine, a little margin wear, otherwise quite nice.

NEW ENGLAND PALLADIUM, Boston, 1801-1802  A typical "newsy" newspaper of the era with a nice woodcut of a soaring mercury in the masthead. Some light foxing, untrimmed.  Actual dates vary, but the issue sent will be similar in look and condition to that shown, and will date from 1801-1802.

GLEASON'S WEEKLY LINE-OF-BATTLE SHIP, Boston, July 2, 1859  The front page has print of: "Marshal Randon, the New French Minister of War" as well as a print showing: "French & Sardinian Soldiers Singing Martial Songs Through the Streets of Turin".
A large print inside shows: "Costumes of the Austrian Army".
Eight pages, ornate masthead features a large engraving of ship, with nice embellishments in the margins, nice condition.

GLEASON'S WEEKLY LINE-OF-BATTLE SHIP, Boston, Aug. 13, 1859  This newspaper has one of most ornate mastheads including an illustration of a battleship with maritime symbols bordering the front page.
Among the prints are: "The Late War---French Troops Crossing Mount Cenis" "The Late Prince Metternich" "The Late War in Italy--View of Novara" "London & Paris Fashions for August" and more.
Eight pages, nice condition.

GLEASON'S WEEKLY LINE OF THE BATTLE SHIP, Boston, July 30, 1859  This title has one of the largest & most decorative mastheads of the 19th century with a decorative border around all pages.
The front page has a print of : "General Forey...Receiving the Congratulations of His Troops After the Battle" of Montebello. Also a print of: "the Late Hon. Rufus Choate".
Other prints inside: "View of Fort Hamilton, New York Harbor" "Attack on a Whale By a Sword Fish" and: "Glen Mary, Portage, New York,

GLEASON'S WEEKLY LINE OF THE BATTLE SHIP, Boston, July 23, 1859  This title has one of the largest & most decorative mastheads of the 19th century with a decorative border around all pages.
The front page has a nice print of the: "City of Naples, and Mount Vesuvius".
Other prints include: "Ferdinand II, the Late King of the Two Sicilies" "Occupation of Casteggio by the French Army after the Battle of Montebello" "Bringing in the Wounded After the Battle of Montebello" and "Francis Platz at