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Stepping back: old catalogs show amazing prices…

[1]Being a collector, it is no surprise that I have kept at least one copy of every catalog we’ve published from the very first in 1976. I find it interesting to occasionally pull an old catalog off the shelf and browse through the offerings and marvel at some of the prices.  They were competitive at the time. Although we emphasize collecting newspapers for the sake of collecting, as there is never a guarantee values will increase by the year, some old listings reflect some amazing prices.

[2]Catalog 77 was issued in early 1990. At that time our catalogs were just 5 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches with 32 pages and a total of two photos (actually photocopies). Here are a few listings and their prices you might find intriguing. No, they are no longer available for purchase!

Philadelphia Inquirer, Nov. 9, 1864 with ftpg. coverage of Lincoln’s 2nd election.  $46

Chicago Tribune, Nov. 3, 1948 “Dewey Defeats Truman” (excellent condition)  $160

Niles’ Weekly Register, 1816 Supplement with the Star Spangled Banner.  $68

The Boston Gazette, Dec. 11, 1775 A rare issue published in Watertown.  $395

[3]Cherokee Phoenix & Indians’ Advocate, New Echota, Georgia, Dc. 23, 1830 Very rare  Cherokee newspaper.  $155

New York Herald, Jan. 3, 1863  Printing of the Emancipation Proclamation.  $115

Gazette, Paris, 1635  $68

Niles’ Weekly Register, April 16, 1836 Battle of the Alamo.  $135

As much as you might like to buy these newspapers at these prices I’d like to have them back. Their values have increased dramatically through the years.

By the way, many of our old catalogs, going back to our very first, are available for purhase. Inquire.

3 Comments (Open | Close)

3 Comments To "Stepping back: old catalogs show amazing prices…"

#1 Comment By Todd Andrlik On 02/12/2009 @ 11:56 pm

This was a fun read! It’s amazing that Dewey Defeats Truman was selling for $160 back then. I really like the catalog with the press on the cover.

#2 Comment By David McDonough On 01/27/2015 @ 10:41 am

I purchased the Cherokee Phoenix at that time. Let me know if you ever find another issue as well as one of its successor The Cherokee Advocate. David Mc NW Ark.

#3 Comment By GuyHeilenman On 02/26/2015 @ 7:11 am

Hello David, We’ve placed these on a want list for you.