Greetings, I thought I’d post here even though it’s off topic because the most US collector eyeballs would see it. I have the opportunity to purchase a rather considerable (100ish piece) collection of old US newspapers from the 1770s through the late 1800s. I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of a forum member or other contact who could help out with the valuation. Thanks! Here are a couple quick pics...
Cool stuff! Other than to state the obvious (check eBay), I don't really have any guidance. I'm sure content, as well as those characteristics we normally ascribe value to, will influence value. That said, "Waſte ye not time ſtarting to read theſe newſpapers, gazettes, and miſſives."
The quality of the paper in the 18th century newspapers is far better than the quality of the paper by the mid 19th century. The reason is that the earlier paper contained a higher rag content - ie cotton than the later wood pulp based paper that started replacing it for newsprint ca. the 1840s. I have several newspapers etc from the 1740's on up through the Civil War - all are archival stored in non reactive paper and then non-pvc plastic. The 18th century examples can look brand new whereas the later wood pulp based newsprint from the Civil War era is not holding up to well over time. Pricewise, unfortunately cannot be much help there. I haven't purchased anything since about 25-30 years ago.
I love the early ones. Not huge value unless they contain major historical content but still cool. Agreed the chain laid rag paper (you can see the parallel stiation lines in it of the 18th and very early 19th c holds up much better than the wood pulp wove paper of the early 19th c on
I’m rather familiar with these. Check the prices offered by Tim Hughes at rarenewspapers.com, and then divide by 2. That will give you a fair valuation. Issues with spicy historical content (signing of US Constitution, the Assassination of Lincoln, etc.) will be much more valuable than issues where the most interesting news of the day was “a trade ship docked at our harbor last night.”
Some of the fun issues I’ve acquired over the years: Assassination of Lincoln: Loss of the SS Central America: Monitor vs. Merrimac Who doesn’t love a gnarly train crash? The title says all. One of two contemporary illustrations of Dred Scott
Nice. Some may be available to download at the Library of Congress or the NNP. I'd be careful purchasing the lot if already available.
Watching "Storage Wars" (a guilty pleasure) they found some "oldish" papers and went to see what they were worth. The shop owner said something very interesting, the more historical events, the more chance that someone saved it, at least in the second half of the 20th century.
You're right. I was just saying that print copies (pdf, etc.) may be available on the net. If newspapers are what the OP want then these are the real deal.
Early American history auctions by Dana Linett always has nice odd items. A quick search there shows some newspapers from the period. Good Luck !! Nice stuff. Rich