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
Mention of Dr. Franklin...
A Tory newspaper from the Revolutionary War...
Item #671967
April 01, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 1, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
The front page includes an Act relating to detaining pers... See More
Book by Ben Franklin reviewed... Fort Stanwix...
Item #671801
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1779 Near the back is a review of a book titled: "Political, Miscellaneous, & Philosophical Pieces, Written by Benjamin Franklin...".Some talk of "American News" near the back, with mention that: "...Fort Stanwix was surprized & taken by Sir John Johnson...at the head of 1500 loyalists & Indian warriors; t... See More
Ben Franklin is well at 85... Rare mention of John Witherspoon...
Item #671785
June 29, 1784
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, June 29, 1784 Page 4 has a brief item noting: "The celebrated Dr. Benjamin Franklin was on 'Change to-day, and looks remarkably well for one of the age of 85; he appeared to be in high spirits."
Page 3 mentions in part: "...arrived here [Edinburgh] the Rev. Dr. Witherspoon, late a member of the American Congress...several gentlemen gave... See More
First magazine printing of the Constitution of the United States...
Item #670952
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, September, 1787 * First magazine printing of the Constitution of the United States
This title, along with the "Columbian Magazine", has the honor of being the first successful American magazine, both published in Philadelphia. The Museum was published by Mathew Carey and existed from January, 1787 thru the end of 1792. He was very proud of h... 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 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 newspaper in all o... See More
One of the more famous letters by Ben Franklin...
Item #668953
September 24, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Sept. 24, 1798
* Benjamin Franklin letter to James Huey
Page 2 has the full printing of a quite famous letter from Ben Franklin to James Huey, in which Huey thanks Franklin for a cure through use of electricity, & prompting him to inquire of Franklin about: "...what religion he professes?".
A website notes that: "Few... See More
A letter from Ben Franklin... Cultivating tea in America...
Item #668559
April 27, 1786
NEW HAVEN GAZETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, April 27, 1786 (year in Roman numerals)
* Benjamin Franklin letter
Inside has a letter from 1725 signed by Benjamin Franklin, exhibiting his business acumen, prefaced with: "...written by the celebrated Dr. Benjamin Franklin 65 years ago when he was apprentice to a printer in Little Britain...it exhibits the vicissitudes of fortune... See More
Death of Captain James Cook in Hawaii... Benjamin Franklin...
Item #667946
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, Jan., 1780 This issue contains in the "Historical Chronicle" near the back the report as shown in the photos, a significant announcement of the death of Captain Cook, reading in part: "...gives the melancholy account of the celebrated Capt. Cooke, late commander of that sloop (Resolution), with four of his private mariners, having been kil... See More
Ben Franklin appointed agent...
Item #667014
December 19, 1771
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 19, 1771 Inside has a report headed "America" from Philadelphia noting in part: "...Benjamin Franklin, Esq., is appointed Agent for this province at the Court of Great Britain, for the ensuing year."
Other news of the day, mostly European, plus ads as well. Eight pages, 8 by 11 inches, great condition.
Ben Franklin in Paris... Preparing for battle in New Jersey... Judaica...
Item #666898
June 14, 1777
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 14, 1777 A report from Paris begins: "Thursday last Dr. Franklin had an interview with Lord Stormont; the conversation lasted three hours..." and a bit further down is mention that "...an American privateer bound to Boston...had a packet of letters on board from Dr. Franklin for the Congress. These letters are said to contain assurances that... See More
Four front page script signatures of George Washington...
Item #666319
May 05, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 5, 1792
* President George Washington
* John Adams - Acts of Congress
On the front page under "Laws of the United States" are four "Acts" each signed in script type: Go. Washington. Each act is also signed in type: Jonathan Trumbull, John Adams & TH: Jefferson.
One of the acts was for erecting "...a Light-House on Montauk Point ... See More
The Act creating the Bank of the United States...
Item #664965
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, March, 1791* First Bank of the United States creation
The issue begins with textual: "Sketches of the President Of the United States" which is nearly a 4 1/2 page biography of George Washington (the plate called for is lacking). Also inside is the conclusion of: "Description of Cape Cod & the County of Barnstable" which takes 2 1/2... See More
Mention of Dr. Franklin... Quakers and enslaved Negroes...
Item #664642
October 09, 1783
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, October 9, 1783
* Dr. Benjamin Franklin
* Slaves - Slavery - Negroes
This issue has a variety of news items concerning the end of the Revolutionary War. The front page of this issue features a report noting: "Dr. Franklin writes to a friend, that he has reason to suspect the Americans have no friends in Europe; for the same caution that now aims ... See More
The Revolutionary War to end soon? Ben Franklin negotiating with the French...
Item #664535
June 21, 1777
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 21, 1777 Page 2 has an item concerning the Revolutionary War in America, with text including: "...that the congress had sent to Gen. Howe some proposals for a reconciliation, but such as they knew would not be accepted. It was supposed to be done to gain time. Gen Howe was...preparing to go on a secret expedition not to Philadelphia as it was thought;... See More
New colony of Georgia... re: Franklin's lightning rod... Judaica...
Item #664269
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1756 Regarding America... There is an article near the front: "Account of American Affairs", which is continued from a previous issue & includes talk on "New Forts in America". There is also a detailed account of Oglethorpe's English colony at Georgia, now 22 yrs. old & still suffering from "want of inhabitan... See More
Ben Franklin's donation...
Item #663756
October 25, 1788
PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 25, 1788 Page 3 has an item noting: "We learn that Dr. Franklin a few days ago presented the Hon. Vice President Redick with 50 pounds as a donation to the Academy lately erected in Washington...". Other news reports from Boston, New York & Petersburg.
Four pages, very nice condition with 17 illus. ship ads on the ... See More
Pithy observations by Benjamin Franklin...
Item #663066
September 04, 1759
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, September 4, 1759
* "Political Aphorisms...", by *Benjamin Franklin (?)
The first and a portion of the second column on page 7 has "Political Aphorisms concerning Population", signed "F", which has recently been attributed to Ben Franklin (see Swann Auctions for more information). Another London Chronicle from 10 days later, which ... See More
On proposing peace with the Americans... Franklin's son on independence...
Item #662676
November 25, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Nov. 25, 1775
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
Page 2 has: "...Lord North's motion for a reconciliation with the Americans..." dated Feb. 20, 1775, which is followed by his explanation of it, in all taking most of a column. It includes: "The Tea-act also will be repealed if asked for."... See More
Talk of Franklin's electricity experiments...
Item #660938
September 27, 1759
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 27, 1759
* Benjamin Franklin
* Electricity experiments
* Lightning rod
Pages 4 and 5 contains text from a work: "...On the Advancement of Science" which includes sections on medicine, experiments on animals, metaphysical experiments, etc. as well as a section: "Of Electricity". In this latter section are reports on Benjam... See More
Ben Franklin on learning to swim...
Item #660024
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, January, 1779 Inside has nearly two pages on: "Useful Hints For Learning To Swim, In a Letter to a Friend, by Benj. Franklin, L.L.D. F.R.S."Also within: "On the Fatal Effects of Revenge" and: "On Female Conduct" & so much more. Near the back are news reports of the day but I see no war-related content.
Complete in 48 pages, 5... See More
Washington crosses the Delaware... Franklin vs. Howe...
Item #660004
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, May, 1777
* General George Washington
* Crosses - crossing the Delaware
The prime content is an excellent letter written & signed by G. Washington dated "Headquarters, New Town, Dec. 26, 1776" which describes his crossing of the Delaware River, reading in part: "I have the pleasure of congratulating you upon the success of
... See More
* General George Washington
* Crosses - crossing the Delaware
The prime content is an excellent letter written & signed by G. Washington dated "Headquarters, New Town, Dec. 26, 1776" which describes his crossing of the Delaware River, reading in part: "I have the pleasure of congratulating you upon the success of
Black Sox scandal ringleaders arrested....
Item #659840
March 26, 1921
THE DAY, New London, Connecticut, March 26, 1921
* Chicago Black Sox World Series scandal indictments
* Jewish Gamblers Carl Zork and Benjamin Franklin
The top of the front page has a two column headline: "WHITE SOX REINDICTED IN BASEBALL SCANDAL; 18 MEN TO FACE TRIAL" with subheads. (see) First report coverage on the indictments of the master minds of the 1919 Black Sox World Ser... See More
Battle of White Plains... Franklin in France...
Item #659508
December 19, 1776
THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, Dec. 19, 1776 The front page has a report noting: "Dr. Benjamin Franklin is arrived at Paris. He left Philadelphia on the 31st of October & arrived at Nantz last Friday in one of the American armed ships of 18 guns...is said Dr. Franklin has carried to the French Court the ratification of a treaty, which Mr. Deane has been some time negociating betw... See More
On the historic Funding Act... Building the Cape Henry lighthouse... Much more...
Item #659330
October 06, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Oct. 6, 1790
* United States Funding Act of 1790
* Cape Henry Lighthouse construction
* re. Benjamin Franklin's death
The back page has not one, but two documents from the "Treasury Department" concerning carrying into effect the historic Funding Act of 1790, whereby the new federal government would assume the debts
... See More
* United States Funding Act of 1790
* Cape Henry Lighthouse construction
* re. Benjamin Franklin's death
The back page has not one, but two documents from the "Treasury Department" concerning carrying into effect the historic Funding Act of 1790, whereby the new federal government would assume the debts
Broadside edition of this famous title, with good content...
Item #658838
January 08, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Jan. 8, 1782
* Very rare Broadside edition from the Revolutionary War
Apparently a quite unusual broadside edition as the issue is single sheet with the back page blank. If page 2 had text I would suspect that the back leaf was missing, but the ftpg. text concludes on the front page and the reverse is entirely blank.
The ft... See More
Very lengthy letter by Ben Franklin... British generals say America cannot be conquered...
Item #658749
September 09, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 9, 1779
* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
* Lengthy letter from Benjamin Franklin
A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
The entire front page and a bit of the back page are taken up with a very lengthy: "... See More
Rare title from the Revolutionary War...
Item #658251
December 23, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, December 23, 1779
* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781. This issue is volume 1, number 41.
The front page begins with the conclusion of: "A Plan for Reducing New England by the... See More
Ben Franklin creates a medal honoring the end of the Revolutionary War...
Item #657924
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1783 Near the beginning are 15 pages of: "Summary Proceedings in the Third Session of the Present Parliament" which include some discussions concerning America. Another article is concerning Yankee Doodle, or more particularly is information on the presumed author of the famous tune (questionable) who had recently died. It notes: "Your ... See More
Ben Franklin on religion... Death of Tobias Lear...
Item #656661
October 26, 1816
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Oct. 26, 1816 Nearly 2 pages are taken up with: "A visit To Flanders - Or, the Field of Waterloo", with reflection upon the historic battle of Waterloo from the year prior where Napoleon was defeated. It begins: "There is a sort of madness in the British about the battle of Waterloo, as they call it, where they got the glory that the Prus... See More
Great foldout map of Genoa, Italy... Early Ben Franklin item...
Item #654924
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1747 Inside includes the well-known Ben Franklin item: "Speech of Molly Baker" (see hyperlink) To date, this is the earliest Ben Franklin appearance in a Gentleman's Magazine and perhaps within any British publication, as confirmed by the Franklin Papers, Yale University.
Nearly five pages are taken up with an: "Accoun
... See More
Nearly five pages are taken up with an: "Accoun
Battle of Savannah... Captain Cook...
Item #653340
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1780 * Siege of Savannah - Georgia
* Benjamin Lincoln letter
* Captain James Cook - South Seas
Near the back is a section headed: "Advices Received from America" which includes: "Gen. Lincoln's Letter to Congress on the defeat of the combined Army before Georgia" with a dateline of Charleston, Oct. 22, 1779. This... See More
One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #653154
May 15, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, Feb. 24, 1735/6
* Earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare
The double year reflects the two calendars in use at the time. My today's calendar the year is 1736.
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 1... See More
North Carolina ratifies the Constitution... Albany described...
Item #652834
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, December, 1789 * United States Constitution
* North Carolina ratification
* Albany, New York
The issue begins with a full page: "Description of the City of Albany" (plate is lacking). Other items include: "Memoirs of The Bastille"; a very interesting & detailed: "Letter III - Letters from a Pennsylvanian on his Travel... See More
Regarding Ben Franklin's "A Magic Square of Squares"...
Item #652752
July 01, 1768
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1768 (offered at a significantly reduced price - see note regarding the magic square plate)
Perhaps the most notable content is the article on an inside page titled: "Surprising Properties of Numbers placed in Dr. Franklin's Magic Square of Squares," which is a fascinating article describing Benjamin Franklin's amazing numerical puzzle... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #652656
March 17, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, March 17, 1743/4 (year double-dated for two calendars in use at the time. Would be 1744 by current calendar).
* Rare colonial periodical
This was the very first successful magazine in America, preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle re... See More
Constitutional Convention begins & Washington is elected its President...
Item #652583
May 28, 1787
PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 28, 1787
* Constitutional Convention begins
* George Washington elected 1st 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 first newsp... See More
Early report of the death of Ben Franklin, from a hometown magazine...
Item #652295
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, April, 1790 * Benjamin Franklin death (1st report)
* Early report from his hometown
Eighteenth century American magazines are increasingly scarce in today's market. This title was published by the famed Isaiah Thomas, the patriot printer from the Revolutionary War & founder of the American Antiquarian Society.
Certainly the most not... See More
Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America...
Item #651434
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1790 * Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the nice, attached fold-out map: "A Map showing the communication of the Lakes and the Rivers between Lake Superior and Slave Lake in North America." The map shows the extreme western parts of Lake Superior and "Huds... See More
Creating a statue of Washington... Loyalists in New York...
Item #651225
October 18, 1783
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 18, 1783
* Equestrian statue of George Washington (Washington Circle)
* New York loyalists - Benjamin Franklin re. treaty w/ Sweden
Page 3 has a report noting in part: "...that a treaty had been ratified in Congress the 29th day of July last...between the U.S. and the King of Sweden. This Treaty was concluded at Paris...and signed by Dr. Frankl... See More
America is not about to compromise with England...
Item #651050
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778 Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" includes reference to Ben Franklin; "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East", and more.The most significant co... See More
A letter from Ben Franklin...
Item #651044
SUPPLEMENT FOR THE YEAR 1789 of the "Gentleman's Magazine", London. This is the supplementary issue issued at the end of the year, with much of the content taken up with: "Parliamentary Proceedings of the Lords and Commons". Of special interest is a letter datelined from New York headed: "American Passport from Dr. Franklin for Captain Cook" which includes a... See More
Anger over the Trail of Tears...... Franklin quote...
Item #650576
August 01, 1829
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Aug. 1, 1829 The top of the ftpg. has a small bit about Martin Van Buren, Secretary of State at the time, being granted an honorary doctorate of law degree from Rutgers' College.
Inside has an article: "Slavery In Colombia" as well as: "Georgia And The Cherokees" being a letter from the brother of a chief and his anger at their ... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #649969
November 30, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, November 30, 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
Anger over the Trail of Tears... Franklin quote...
Item #649956
August 01, 1829
NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Aug. 1, 1829 The top of the ftpg. has a small bit about Martin Van Buren, Secretary of State at the time, being granted an honorary doctorate of law degree from Rutgers' College.
Inside has an article: "Slavery In Colombia" as well as: "Georgia And The Cherokees" being a letter from the brother of a chief and his anger at their ... See More
Benjamin Franklin...
Item #649942
April 28, 1906
SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, April 28, 1906 The front page is of Benjamin Franklin with the caption "Your Affectionate Friend - Your Obedient Servant, B. Franklin" with an accompanying article issue inside with additional prints "Franklin's Electrical Machine","Franklin's Scientific Work", "Houdin's Bust of Franklin". Additional articles,... See More
Ben Franklin asks to resign...
Item #649653
April 22, 1783
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, April 22, 1783
* Benjamin Franklin wants to resign
Page 3 has a brief item: "Dr. Franklin has written to Congress requesting permission to resign his public employment, 'the business being too weighty for his old shoulders'. Such was the Doctor's expression."
Page 7 is mostly taken up with: "American News" which talks of ships leav... See More
Nice Harper's Weekly group, just after the Civil War...
Item #649309
(5) HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, a lot of five issues from just after the Civil War. Dates are August 12, August 19, September 23, November 11, and December 2, 1865. A wealth of great prints including: 'New Westminster, Capital of British Columbia'. Halfpg: 'Trial of Mowing Machines' & 'The Richmond Election--the Polling at the 1st Market House'. Nice doublepage cente... See More
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Benjamin Franklin's thoughts on religion...
Item #648714
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, Jan. 1815 Within this issue is: "Dr. Franklin's Last Thoughts on Religion" which begins: "That the name of Benjamin Franklin cannot fail of occupying a conspicuous place in future histories of the 18th century, will, I have no doubt, be readily admitted..." and ends with his thoughts: "...inquiring of the Doctor what were his... See More
Troubles in America... A colonial town plan print...
Item #648488
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770 Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it (see). A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squa
... See More
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