Historic Newspapers: Mastheads

THE POST-BOY, London, Dec. 19, 1713

* Nice masthead engravings
* Unique gift idea 

This was one of the prominent early newspapers published in London during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
It began publication in 1695, & was a single-sheet folio newspaper, printed on both sides, carrying a mix of foreign news (especially European wars, treaties, and royal affairs), English news, advertisements, & legal notices. A prime & displayable feature is the ornate, decorative masthead,…

THE POST BOY, London, Sept. 13, 1716 This was one of the prominent early newspapers published in London during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
It began publication in 1695, & was a single-sheet folio newspaper, printed on both sides, carrying a mix of foreign news (especially European wars, treaties, and royal affairs), English news, advertisements, & legal notices.
A prime & displayable feature is the ornate, decorative masthead, which includes engravings of a post boy (messenger on…

THE POST-BOY, London, Oct. 11, 1718  This was one of the prominent early newspapers published in London during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
It began publication in 1695, & was a single-sheet folio newspaper, printed on both sides, carrying a mix of foreign news (especially European wars, treaties, and royal affairs), English news, advertisements, & legal notices.
A prime & displayable feature is the ornate, decorative masthead, which includes engravings of a post boy (messenger on…

THE POST-BOY, London, Nov. 4, 1718  This was one of the prominent early newspapers published in London during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
It began publication in 1695, & was a single-sheet folio newspaper, printed on both sides, carrying a mix of foreign news (especially European wars, treaties, and royal affairs), English news, advertisements, & legal notices.
A prime & displayable feature is the ornate, decorative masthead, which includes engravings of a post boy (messenger on…

THE ORIGINAL LONDON POST OR, HEATHCOTE'S INTELLIGENCE, London, England, March 15, 1722  

* Great masthead engraving
* Very rare publication

A rare title with the text running continuously from issue to issue, the lead sentence is the completion of the last sentence from the previous issue.
This was done by several periodicals during this period to avoid the tax on newspapers. This format classified it as a pamphlet, and therefore no tax was required. According to Crane and Kaye this title is not…

THE ORIGINAL LONDON POST OR, HEATHCOTE'S INTELLIGENCE, London, England, Dec. 13, 1723  A rare title with the text running continuously from issue to issue, the lead sentence is the completion of the last sentence from the previous issue.
This was done by several periodicals during this period to avoid the tax on newspapers. This format classified it as a pamphlet, and therefore no tax was required. According to Crane and Kaye this title is not held by any American institution.
Complete as a…

THE GLOCESTER JOURNAL, England, 1769 (currently spelled Gloucester). Here is a very nice, four page issue from just a few years before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War in the colonies. This issue has a very nice & decorative masthead featuring engravings on either side. The front page also has a red-inked tax stamp. This issue contains various news of the day and a wealth of ads as well. The photo is generic but the actual issue you receive will look almost identical and be from 1769.

THE GLOCESTER JOURNAL, England, Jan. 4, 1768  (currently spelled Gloucester)  Page 2 has a report from Boston concerning the finding of "hyperion or Labrador tea" in the colonies, of special interest given the recent non-importation of tea from England.
Also an item noting: "By letters from Philadelphia we are credibly informed that a number of new buildings are going to be built there, that the suburbs are going to be greatly increased...so great is the increase of inhabitants in that happy…

MERCURIUS [MERCURY], Hamburg, Germany, March 28, 1769  

* Pre Revolutionary War era
* Nice masthead engraving
* Miniature publication 

This is a wonderful little newspaper with over one third of the front page of this German language newspaper is taken up with a very ornate & decorative masthead. The month & date are in the dateline and the year: "1769" is in the masthead surrounded by decorative embellishments, as is the issue number. 
Eight pages, 3 3/4 by 6 3/4 inches, minor light…

THE ESSEX JOURNAL & NEW HAMPSHIRE PACKET, Newburyport, Massachusetts, Feb. 9, 1776 

* Paul Revere masthead engraving
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)

There were but a few masthead engravings of the 18th century which were created by Paul Revere. The "Massachusetts Spy" is perhaps the most famous, plus there is the engraving in the "Boston Gazette" as well, with these two newspapers being among the most common in a relative sense. But even these are quite rare.
Revere also…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY, OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, April 14, 1785  

* Paul Revere masthead engraving 
* Post American Revolutionary War

The prime feature of this issue would be the masthead as half of it, that which includes the words "Massachusetts Spy", was engraved by the famed Paul Revere. Revere created the masthead designs for just a few newspapers in the Boston area, this being one of them. And this newspaper was published by Isaiah Thomas, arguably the most famous printer during this…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY; OR, THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 13, 1791

* Massachusetts Governor John Hancock

 Page 3 has a report concerning the collection of taxes, signed in type by the governor: John Hancock. Page 2 has a report on the: "Indian Expedition" of General Wilkinson.
Four pages, handsome & decorative masthead, great condition.

THE STAR, London, February 12, 1793  This features a decorative masthead. On page two under the heading of "British Parliament" is a heading "Declaration of War Against France" in which Lord Grenville brought the message from the King "...directed acts of hostility to be committed against the persons and property of his Majesty's subjects, in breach of the law of nations, and of the most positive stipulations of treaty; and have since, on the most groundless pretences, actually declared war…

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, July 9 and 13, 1795  

* John - Jay's Treaty
* George Washington

A very significant pair of issues as they contain, in its entirety, the full text of the Jay Treaty, one of the more significant 18th century documents in American history.
Taking all of the front page and a bit of page 2 in the July 9,
concluding in the issue of the 13th taking all of the front page and a bit of pg. 2 where it is signed in type by Grenville and John…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Nov. 32, 1796   Yes, that's the date on the newspaper (see). Page 3 has an "Address" to the Mass. Senate & House, signed in type: Samuel Adams (see), and another "Resolve" by the Mass. legislature also signed: Samuel Adams.
Four pages, decorative masthead, very nice condition.

NEW ENGLAND PALLADIUM, Boston, 1801-1802 A general "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 will be similar in look and condition to that shown, and will date from 1801-1802.

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.

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.

MIDDLESEX GAZETTE, Middletown, Connecticut, March 15, 1826  A very decorative masthead featuring a heraldic eagle (see). Various news of the day and some interesting illustrated advertisements. Various foxing, generally good.

THE TRUMPET & UNIVERSALIST MAGAZINE, Boston, 1828  Mostly religious-related content. Masthead features a wood engraving of a trumpeting angel. Occasional foxing.  Although actual dates vary, the issue sent will have the same look and condition as the one shown, and will be dated from 1828.

THE SCOTTISH JOURNAL, New York, Jan. 23, 1841

* Rare title for Scotland immigrants

Obviously a paper which has a focus on the Scottish heritage of Americans in the New York City area, but other content as well. A deep & decorative masthead (see photo) makes this issue displayable.
Eight pages, 10 1/2 by 15 inches, some rubbing along the central fold, generally nice.

AI ANGLO SACSUN, New York, May 29, 1847  

* Promoting the spelling of words phonetically

Here is one of the more fascinating newspapers that was in the private collection.
This newspaper--which is volume 1, number 11--attempted to exploit a movement to spell words phonetically, just as they sounded. So their motto in the dateline is: "Devoted Tu Ai Difyushun ov Nolej and Nuz, Tru Ai Medium of Fonotipi, or the Tru System ov Spelin Wurdz As Iz, Just Az ae are Pronnst." (difficult to translate as…

THE WEEKLY SYMBOL & ODD FELLOWS' MAGAZINE, Boston, Massachusetts, Sept. 16, 1848 

* Uncommon title
* Decorative masthead
* Oddfellows society

Actually a newspaper & of quite large size with a decorative masthead. Four pages, various wear at the folds & margins with a small hole at a fold juncture, some edge tears.

BOSTON MUSEUM, Dec. 16, 1848  Page 4 has: "California Gold" which includes: "All of our brethren are having their say about the California gold discoveries...But California, nor any other unsettled country, should not be peopled by fortune hunters. The wilderness wants practical men, not visionary drones...The mining fever is raging here as well as elsewhere...one of our citizens has been at the gold placers a few weeks; he had collected $1500 worth of the 'root of evil', & was still averaging…

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.

BOSTON MUSEUM, May 18, 1850   Page 6 has: "A Short Story by Dickens" contained here in its entirety (see). The back page has over 2 column headed: "Arrival of Three California Steamers" with much news from there including much on gold mining. 
Eight pages, decorative masthead, very nice condition.

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…

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…

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…

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…

BOSTON OLIVE BRANCH, July 31, 1858  A family-oriented newspaper with science, literary, horticultural, art and humor-related content. Large decorative mastheads. Several small wood-block illustrations. Page 7 has an ad for: "LIFE THOUGHTS", by Henry Ward Beecher.
Complete in 8 pages. Archivally mended at the mid-fold on all pages due to separation at the fold. Previously folded into quadrants.

GLEASON'S WEEKLY LINE OF THE BATTLE SHIP, Boston, Dec. 25, 1858  This title has one of the largest & most decorative mastheads of the 19th century with a decorative & patriotic border around all pages.
The front page has a nice print captioned: "An Allegorical Picture of Christmas". Among prints inside is: "The American Steamer Savannah, the First Ocean Steamship"
Eight pages, nice condition.

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…

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 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:…

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:…

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…

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 PICTORIAL LINE-OF-BATTLE SHIP, Boston, Aug. 6, 1859  This title has one of the more beautiful & ornate mastheads of the 19th century, plus each page is bordered with an anchor & chain devise.
The front includes a print of: "The Pilgrim Hall, Plymouth, Mass." with text as well, the oldest public museum in the United States in continuous operation.
The back page has a large print of the "National Monument to the Forefathers", dedicated a few days previous to this issue, but was not…

GLEASON'S PICTORIAL LINE-OF-BATTLE SHIP, Boston, Aug. 6, 1859  This title has one of the more beautiful & ornate mastheads of the 19th century, plus each page is bordered with an anchor & chain devise.
The front includes a print of: "The Pilgrim Hall, Plymouth, Mass." with text on it, the oldest public museum in the United States in continuous operation. The back page has a large print of the "National Monument to the Forefathers", dedicated a few days previous to this issue, but was not…

GLEASON'S PICTORIAL LINE-OF-BATTLE SHIP, Boston, Aug. 27, 1859  This title has one of the more beautiful & ornate mastheads of the 19th century, plus each page is bordered with an anchor & chain devise (see).
The front page has prints of: "Charles XV, the New King of Sweden" with text on him. Also: "Whitehall, South & Staten Island Ferries, & Revenue Barge Office, New York" with text. Among inside page prints is: "Toronto Boat Club Coming Into the Harbor"
Eight pages, very nice condition.

GLEASON'S PICTORIAL LINE-OF-BATTLESHIP (very early), Boston, Sept. 3, 1859  This was perhaps America's first successful illustrated newspaper, existing from 1851 thru 1859. It set the format for other more successful titles to emulate, most notably Frank Leslie's Illustrated (1855) and Harper's Weekly (1857). All were modeled after the British title 'London Illustrated News' which began in 1842.
The prime content is the page 7 story--written specifically for this newspaper--titled "The Secret…

GLEASON'S PICTORIAL LINE-OF-BATTLESHIP (very early), Boston, Sept. 3, 1859  This was perhaps America's first successful illustrated newspaper, existing from 1851 thru 1859. It set the format for other more successful titles to emulate, most notably Frank Leslie's Illustrated (1855) and Harper's Weekly (1857). All were modeled after the British title 'London Illustrated News' which began in 1842.
The prime content is the page 7 story--written specifically for this newspaper--titled "The Secret…

WILKES' SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, Sept. 22, 1860  Basically a sports-themed newspaper. The front page has a nice print of the horse: "Planet...", the very famous race horse.
An inside page has a heading: "Base Ball" which contains 14 box scores.
Complete in 16 pages, decorative masthead, minor margin wear, good condition.

NEW HAMPSHIRE JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE, Manchester, 1861  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 page two with a review of the week's battle events and military concerns. Of added significance is the large and very decorative masthead engraving which includes a central pastoral scene bordered by two women, one with a…

NEW HAMPSHIRE JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE, Manchester, 1861  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 page two with a review of the week's battle events and military concerns. Of added significance is the large and very decorative masthead engraving (see photo) which includes a central pastoral scene bordered by two women, one…

WILKES SPIRIT OF THE TIMES, New York, March 29, 1862 Taking half the front page is a nice illustration captioned: "The New Trotting Park, Between Seventh And Eighth Avenues, On One Hundred And Forty-Fourth Street." 
Sixteen pages, decorative masthead, nice condition.

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…