Likely the most desired masthead from the 18th century...
Item #687194
October 23, 1770
THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY, Or Thomas's Boston Journal, October 27, 1774 It would be difficult to properly place both the scarcity and desirability of this newspaper in the confect of American history. This issue has the famous "Join Or Die" engraving stretching across the masthead.
In the same way that the famous "Dewey Defeats Truman" issue of the Chicago Tribune is com... See More
An early, handsome issue from the colonies... Nice Ben Franklin content...
Item #687150
July 05, 1762
THE BOSTON EVENING-POST, July 5, 1762 A very handsome issue with an ornate coat-of-arms engraving in the masthead.
Page 2 has a nice, early item on Ben Franklin with an Oxford dateline: "Yesterday Benjamin Franklin, Esq., of Pennsylvania, eminent for his many extraordinary improvements in electrical experiments, was presented by the University to the honorary degree of Doctor in Civil ... See More
Ben Franklin's famous kite experiment...
Item #686746
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1752* Benjamin Franklin's famous kite experiment described
Inside has a terrific account of a legendary event in history--the famous kite experiment conducted by Benjamin Franklin. Note there is even mention of Franklin's name on the title page.
The article, datelined "Philadelphia, Oct. 19, 1752", begins by mentioning the r... See More
Early map of the Caribbean Islands...
Item #683352
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1756 The first two pages are devoted to the "Caribee Islands" [Caribbean] primarily limited to text on Barbadoes.But of greater significance is the great and desirable foldout map labeled: "A Map of the CARIBBEE ISLANDS Shewing which belong to England, France, Spain, Dutch, & Danes...". This map folds out to 8 1/2 by 13 1/2 ... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #683129
April 21, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 21, 1744 This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was 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 ... See More
On Ben Franklin's water spouts, with a print...
Item #682557
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1788 * Benjamin Franklin on water spouts
* Post Revolutionary War era
Perhaps the most interesting article is: "Dr. Lindsay on Dr. Franklin's Doctrine of Water-spouts" which comments on Ben Franklin's work. This article takes 2 1/2 pages and one of the plates includes prints of various water spouts.
An article: "Edict... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #681728
November 16, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, November 16, 1774 If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead of this newspaper, shows a snake cut into various pieces, each with a
... See More
Benjamin Franklin receives an award...
Item #681445
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1753 Near the back is a small & inconspicuous item reading: "At the anniversary meeting of the Royal Society the prize medal of gold was voted to Ben Franklyn, Esq. of Maryland, for his electrical discoveries." Note that not only did they spell his name wrong but they have his home colony wrong.
At the back is the &q... See More
Government's role in the public welfare vs. debt...
Item #681266
May 14, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, May 14, 1768 Inside is an interesting article on the role of Government and Providence in relation to public welfare and government debt. It begins: "The political disease seems to be near a crisis...". Several hundred years later the topic continues to be at the forefront of public discourse.
Also within is a mention of "A Portugal Merchant&... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #681106
April 14, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 14, 1744
* Very rare 18th century magazine
* 1st successful magazine in America
This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of iss... See More
Map of Hudson River region... Franklin on exchange of prisoners...
Item #678034
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1778 * Rare Revolutionary War New York map
* Benjamin Franklin letter
* Ethan Allen
Of great significance is the very nice foldout map headed: "Map of Hudson's River with the Adjacent Country", which shows from Crown Point & Ticonderoga, south to Philadelphia, & also from Long Island to Lake Ontario with considerable de... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #677502
December 07, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, December 7, 1774
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
Mention of Ben Franklin...
Item #677306
October 30, 1782
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Oct. 30, 1782
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century original
* From The Enemy
* Benjamin Franklin
Page 2 has amongst the news reports: "...a requisition made by the Secretary of State for an armed vessel to be got in immediate readiness for conveying some fresh instructions to the Commander in Chief at New York...Dr. Franklin has received...t... See More
Franklin's experiments with electricity... prints of birds... The Smoky Mountains...
Item #676719
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1752 * Ben Franklin's experiments with electricity
* Print of the Nightingale bird
* Explaining the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina
This issue includes a lengthy: "Letter from a Gentleman in Virginia" which is focused on the "smoaky weather" in Virginia, likely leading to the name of the "Smoky Mountains"... See More
Poem to Ben Franklin with lightning rod reference...
Item #676541
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1754 * A poem to Benjamin Franklin
* Mention of his lightning rod
Near the back is a half page poem titled: "To Benjamin Franklin, Esq., of Philadelphia, on his Experiments and Discoveries in Electricity" which is dated from "Cooper River, S. Carolina, Sept. 20, 1753".
At the bottom of the poem are two footnotes, one... See More
Article on electricity with Ben Franklin mention... The American pelican with a print...
Item #676519
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1750 * Early Benjamin Franklin
* Electricity experiments
Perhaps the most notable item is: "A Curious Remark on Electricity, from a Gentleman in America, whose ingenious Letters on this Subject will soon be published in a separate Pamphlet...", which includes an extract of a letter by Benjamin Franklin.
Other articles include: &quo... See More
Obituary of Benjamin Franklin...
Item #675450
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1790 * Benjamin Franklin death - obituary
The most significant item is a report of the death of Benjamin Franklin listed near the back under the "Deaths" column. It begins: "At Philadelphia, aged 84 years and 3 months, Benjamin Franklin, esq. L.L.D. and F.R.S. He was born in 1706..." continuing on with more on his life & c... See More
Adams, Franklin, Jay, Laurens, & Jefferson authorized to negotiate terms for peace...
Item #673898
February 27, 1783
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 27, 1783
* re. Revolutionary War ending in peace
Inside has one-third of a page taken up with the: "Copy of the Commission of the United States of America, to John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Henry Laurens, and Thomas Jefferson, Esqrs. June 15, 1781."
The document--signed in type by the President & Secretary of Congress--formal... See More
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
Book by Ben Franklin reviewed... Fort Stanwix...
Item #671801
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1779 * Ben Franklin's book is reviewed (brief)
* Fort Stanwix report
* Captain Cook's ships observed?
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: "...Fo... 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
Ben Franklin's statue in Boston is erected...
Item #669598
October 26, 1856
THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, England, Oct. 25, 1856
* Statue of Benjamin Franklin (statue)
The front page has a nice print of: "Statue of Dr. Franklin, Just Erected in Boston, U.S." A related article is on page 2: "Inauguration of the Statue of Dr. Franklin at Boston, U.S." which has much detail on it.
This quite famous statue still stands in Boston, although remov... See More
New York to consider the proposed federal Constitution... Ben Franklin elected...
Item #667714
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, February, 1788 Articles include a continued article: "A Tract on the Unreasonableness of the Laws of England in Regard to Wives" "On the Choice of a Husband" "State of Religion in Virginia--From Mr. Jefferson's Notes" which takes 3 1/2 pages; "An Account of Some Ancient Customs in Wales" "Customs & Tra... See More
Early Ben Franklin item...
Item #667117
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1747 Inside includes the well-known Ben Franklin item: "Speech of Molly Baker". 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: "Account of the Behaviour and E
... See More
Nearly five pages are taken up with an: "Account of the Behaviour and E
Great foldout map of Genoa, Italy... Early Ben Franklin item...
Item #667116
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1747 Inside includes the well-known Ben Franklin item: "Speech of Molly Baker". 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: "Account of the Behaviour and E
... See More
Nearly five pages are taken up with an: "Account of the Behaviour and E
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
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
Speech by Ben Franklin's son, a Loyalist...
Item #664440
January 25, 1776
THE WEEKLY MAGAZINE OR EDINBURGH AMUSEMENT, Scotland, Jan. 25, 1776 Inside has over a full page containing a speech of Governor William Franklin--a Loyalist and Ben's son--to the New Jersey Assembly. The tone of the speech is very supportive of the King of England. The following page has news from the Montreal vicinity.
Also a letter from New York signed by: Robert Rogers, and then a re... 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
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
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
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 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
Battle of Savannah... Captain Cook...
Item #653341
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
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
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
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
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
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #645581
March 10, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, Massachusetts, March 10, 1743,4 (year noted as such as it was 1743 or 1744 depending on which calendar was used).
* Very rare 18th century magazine
* 1st successful magazine in America
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 t... See More
Ben Franklin creates a medal honoring the end of the Revolutionary War...
Item #642354
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 concerns the tune Yankee Doodle, particularly details on the presumed author of the famous tune (questionable) who had recently died. It notes: "Your readers, &a... See More
On Ben Franklin's will... Northwest coast of America...
Item #638619
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1790 Included is: "Remarks on the Slave Trade Occasioned by Bruce's Travels". Near the back is a brief bit noting: "The common council at Paris paid to the illustrious Franklyn [Franklin] tribute of homage, singular in its nature but due from a free & enlightened city to the memory of a man who gave libert... See More
Franklin Prophecy antisemitic speech....
Item #623320
March 10, 1937
THE NEW YORK TIMES, March 10, 1937
* Benjamin Franklin "Prophecy" "Forgery"
* Antisemitic speech - Jewish - Jews
* Charles A. Beard expose
Page 9 has one column headings that include: "FRANKLIN FORGERY EXPOSED BY BEARD" "Anti-Semitic 'Prophecy' Cited in Germany Was Discredited by Historian 2 Years Ago" and more. (see)
Other news, sports and ... See More
Final items regarding the Revolutionary War...
Item #617546
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1782 The issue begins with 8 pages of "Proceedings In Parliament", the first 3 of which have much concerning America with mention of an exchange of prisoners, Mr. Laurens, Ben Franklin, Lord Cornwallis, General Burgoyne, and more.Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" with the latest news reports of the day, including men... See More
America is not about to compromise with England...
Item #615582
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 c... See More
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P.O. Box 3636
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