U.S. GOES OFF THE GOLD STANDARD
FDR’S PROCLAMATION TO HELP THE ECONOMY
DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION
PRIVATE CITIZENS MUST TURN IN THEIR GOLD!
The New York Times
April 20, 1933
The Times half page triple-tiered headlines announce, “GOLD STANDARD DROPPED TEMPORARILY TO AID PRICES AND OUR WORLD POSITION; BILL READY FOR CONTROLLED INFLATION.” President Franklin D. Roosevelt nationalizes gold owned by private citizens and abrogates contracts in which payment was specified in gold. Currency could never again be exchanged for gold! (The Act of April 5, 1933, read in part: “Section 2. All persons are hereby required to deliver on or before May 1, 1933, to a Federal Reserve bank or a branch or agency thereof or to any member bank of the Federal Reserve System all gold coin, gold bullion, and gold certificates now owned by them or coming into their ownership on or before April 28, 1933…” with some exceptions such as gold used in industry, and that up to $100 face value in gold coins could be kept by collectors.) As a coin collector/dealer/appraiser myself, I found this section quite fascinating.
This most historic issue also contains a front page article on Hitler and Germany, fighting in China, and a good deal more historic reading. Of course, this is the complete 38-page newspaper with news, sports, movies and much more. It’s a hard one to keep in stock–I don’t know where my next will come from…or if there will be a next time! I’d frame it for a den or office as it does make a great conversation piece.
$475
BANDLEADER GLENN MILLER’S AIRPLANE MISSING
“Former Orchestra Leader Had Been Conducting Bands
of the Army Air Forces Since Enlistment–Won Many Honors”
The New York Times
December 25, 1944
This historic Times newspaper publishes the shocking news that Major Glenn Miller, who conducted one of the most successful dance bands in the Swing Era, was missing on a flight from England to Paris where he was heading to join his Army Air Force Orchestra. The page four headline sadly reads: “Major Glenn Miller Is Missing On Flight From England to Paris.” The story reads, in part, “His Air Force Band had been playing in Paris. No members of the band were with him on the plane. He last led his band in a broadcast Dec. 12. His band, scheduled to broadcast over BBC tomorrow at 7 P.M. in the ‘AEF Christmas Show,’ will be conducted by Sgt. Jerry Gray, deputy leader.”The article also contains a wonderful photograph of the beloved bandleader in his military uniform.
Miller, who had such enduring hits as “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “In The Mood,” “Tuxedo Junction,” and his theme, “Moonlight Serenade,” was a fine trombonist, arranger and bandleader who sold millions of records in the late 1930s and early 1940s. His orchestra also starred in two major motion pictures, and his music continues to live on in both older people who and today’s youth who have learned to swing dance.
This is the complete and original rag paper edition in virtually mint condition as printed on Christmas Day in 1944. See the scan for the huge Times triple-tiered WWII headlines on the Battle of the Bulge at the time the weather cleared enough for a huge Allied air counterattack on the surprise Nazi drive in the Ardennes Forrest in eastern Belgium and Luxembourg. Great war photos, too! I had a devil of a time finding this paper as I am a jazz saxophonist myself and grew up listening to Glenn Miller’s records of my parents. A fantastic opportunity!
$450
SACCO & VANZETTI EXECUTED FOR MURDER
“SACCO AND VANZETTI DIE FOR DOUBLE MURDER;
BOTH MAKE FAREWELL SPEECHES IN THE CHAIR”
Public Ledger
Philadelphia
August 23, 1927
Ferdinando Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were accused of the murders of Frederick Parmenter, a paymaster, and Alessandro Berardelli, a security guard during a robbery of $15,776.51 from the Slater-Morrill Shoe Company, on Pearl Street in South Braintree, Massachusetts during the afternoon of April 15, 1920. The two men were followers of major anarchists and became caught up in anti-Communist circles–some say the two were framed for political reasons. This historic newspaper has the complete details of the execution by electric chair, as well as the condemned men’s last words. Subheads read: “I AM INNOCENT! CRIES VANZETTI; FORGIVES FOES. ” “Long Live the Anarchy!’ Sacco Shouts as Cap is Adjusted.” “FAREWELL MY WIFE AND FRIENDS.”
Pages six and seven have extensive coverage of the trial and a concise history of the case against them–it’s quite fascinating to read. There are also photos of both men on page six.
This is the complete newspaper in good condition with usual browning and some chipping at the spine. It’s completely intact and certainly one of the only surviving issues of this famous event in American history. This is really a rare opportunity. My advice would be to read the paper first and then have it framed – it would make a great conversation piece.
$320
THE TREASURES OF KING TUT!
FAMOUS PHAROAH’S TOMB REVEALED!
The New York Times
Special Rotogravure Section
February 11, 1923
The incredible newly-uncovered treasures of King Tutankhamen’s Tomb are displayed for all America to see. This special photo section of the Times contains three huge photographs of the Pharoah’s fabulous treasure including one of two actual life-size statues of the minor Egyptian ruler. Among the tomb’s contents are the casket containing the King’s ceremonial robes, mummified food(!), gold animal statues, alabaster vases, and much more.
The tomb of King Tut had been recently discovered y the Earl of Carnarvon’s Party in the Valley of the Kings near the Ancient Thebes. It created quite a stir–exhibitions of these treasures still draw huge crowds worldwide. The discovery of the tomb’s contents certainly proved the adage, “You can’t take it with you!”
4 pp., in nice condition with corner tear pp. 3 & 4, but not affecting any of the Tut material. Extremely scarce, and a “treasure” in itself.
$350
ROSENBERGS SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR SELLING ATOMIC SECRETS
“ATOM SPY COUPLE SENTENCED TO DIE;
AIDE GETS 30 YEARS”
The New York Times
April 6, 1951
Julius Rosenberg, an electrical engineer, and his wife Ethel are given death sentences by Federal Judge Irving R. Kaufman for stealing the secret of the atomic bomb for the Soviet Union. Judge Kaufman described the crime as “worse than murder” and “a sordid, dirty business.”However, in a side head: “Political Hysteria Charged,” an attorney for the Rosenbergs stated, “I repeat that these defendants assert their innocence and will continue to assert it as long as they breathe….They believe that they are victims of political hysteria, and that their sentence was based upon extraneous political considerations having no legitimate or legal connection with the crime charged against them.”
The front page contains superb photographs of the convicted couple (see scans) under the title: “SPIES CONDEMNED TO DEATH.”The story is excellent and you’ll want to read this and the editorial again and again. There is alot more in this “loaded” issue including the latest Korean War news, a dispatch from General Douglas MacArthur, Israeli aircraft bombing a Syrian area in retaliation for Arab shooting of police.
This is the original and complete special rag paper edition sold for seventy-five cents by the Times, and produced in a tiny quantity (90-100 issues) for preservation purposes. Near mint condition throughout!
$500
POPE JOHN XXIII PASSES AWAY
BELOVED PONTIFF WORKED TIRELESSLY FOR PEACE
The Macon Telegraph
Macon, Georgia
June 4, 1963
The huge bold banner headline announces, “POPE JOHN XVIII DIES IN AGONY.” Subhead: “Long Fight Ends For Pontiff, 81.” The sad story begins, “VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope John XXIII, who touched the heart of a divided world with his untiring work for unity and peace died Monday night as the sun set over 100,000 grieving faithful gathered beneath his window….In the final hours, the Vatican said the pain was ‘atrocious.’ The dying pontiff clutched a crucifix to his breast. Only unconsciousness brought him relief. In the moments of consciousness the Pope appeared to concentrate on prayer. The bells of St. Peter announced his death to thousands in the Square. Superb photograph of the beloved pope who worked so hard for peace in the world.
The complete 16-page newspaper in fine condition. A perfect example to display.
$260
“THE IRON CURTAIN” SPEECH OF WINSTON CHURCHILL
THE BRITISH HERO CRITICIZES SOVIET EXPANSION IN EASTERN EUROPE
“UNITE TO STOP RUSSIANS, CHURCHILL WARNS AT FULTON”
The Stars and Stripes
Nurnberg, Bavaria, West Germany
March 6, 1946
In a 45-minute address before the Westminster (Missouri) College faculty, as a guest of President Truman, Churchill said Russia constituted “a growing challenge and peril to Christian civilization”and called fro a virtual United States/British military alliance to prevent a third world war. He voiced a grim warning that “Communist fifth columnists” are at work under supervision of Moscow in most of the world. The report continues on page 8 under the subhead: “Iron Curtain Descends.” The great statesman and author then said, “From Stettin on the Baltic to Trieste on the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent.” This was the first use of the famous phrase describing the former free nations and capitals of Eastern Europe that were now under Soviet domination.
The issue also contains an amazing photograph of Japanese Emperor Hirohito dressed in Western style visiting a housing project for bombing victims of the deadly American raids on Japan during World War II. Another headline and story talks about a British atomic expert, Dr. Alan Nunn, who was found giving secret atomic energy information to an unidentified person.
Stars and Stripes was the great and widely-read service newspaper of World War II (and WWI). This one is 8 pages in length, pages separated cleanly at the spine as was sometimes normal, and in nice condition. A most historic issue–the warning from Truman was quite correct. The Berlin Wall didn’t fall until 1989.
$270
VIETNAM WAR HANOI NEWSPAPER IN ENGLISH!
ULTRA-SCARCE VIETNAMESE PROPAGANDA RAG
“2600 AMERICAN PLANES DOWNED OVER NORTH VIET NAM”
Vietnam Courier
Hanoi, North Vietnam
December 4, 1967
Here is simply an amazing find–a North Vietnamese propaganda newspaper from the middle of the Vietnam War! The scans show just a few of the headlines, “news” stories and rare photographs in this 8-page issue. The Communists continually vastly overrate the number of U.S. casualties and downed aircraft, while trumpeting news of their “great victories” in battle. There are also editorials designed to break the morale of American citizens–and there is some truth to these pieces–one is based on American newspaper reports. Typical statements in this paper include, “So long as the American imperialists do not end definitively and unconditionally their bombings of the North and aggression in the South, and withdraw their troops, they will certainly be defeated in the battlefield and cannot deceive public opinion with their words and save the U.S. from its present predicament.”
8 pp., printed on very high quality paper. Some of the major headlines are in bold red print. I couldn’t put this copy down!
$375
LUCILLE BALL APPEARS IN A BEER COMMERCIAL!
LUCY TOASTS SCHAEFER BEER!
HUGE ILLUSTRATED ADVERTISEMENT
The New York Times
August 19, 1947
The final page of this superb issue of The Times contains a monster ad featuring a young actress named Lucille Ball holding a glass of beer in one hand and a Schaefer bottle in the other saying, “Finest beer I ever tasted!” ‘Nuff said about this–please see the incredible scan. Just a few short years later, Miss Ball as Lucy Ricardo on “I Love Lucy!” would do a commercial for “Vitameatavegamin”a “health drink” with alcohol as an ingredient….and become helplessly inebriated! This early ad sure reminds me of that hilarious episode! There is also a small ad in the Amusement Section for Lucy’s play, “Dream Girl,”at Brooklyn’s Flatbush Theater.
This 48 page rag issue of The Times is in near perfect condition. It’s truly a “time machine” from 1947 with the current movies, radio shows, baseball news (interleague exhibition games!) and way more. But, you’ll keep going back to the Lucille Ball beer ad for sure!
$450
“SHOELESS” JOE JACKSON BOUGHT BY THE CHICAGO WHITE SOX
OWNER CHARLES COMISKY PAYS $31,500+ FOR THE STAR BASEBALL PLAYER
The New York Times
August 21, 1915
The legendary “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, the Cleveland Indians leading batter, is traded to the Chicago White Sox for $31,500 and three players (although the text article on the Sports Page indicated the price was only $15,000). Jackson, whose career ended ingloriously following the infamous “Black Sox” scandal in the 1919 World Series, was one of baseball’s greatest players. He averaged .356 for his career. In his first season with the then Cleveland Naps, he hit an astonishing .407. Great contemporaries like Walter Johnson (who called Jackson “the greatest natural ballplayer I’ve ever seen”), and Ty Cobb all acknowledged Jackson’s extraordinary skills. Babe Ruth himself copied Jackson’s “feet-together” batting stance and power stride into a pitch.
Complete newspaper, usual browning and such, but in nice shape overall stored flat for years in an old bound volume. A truly rare story and a nice piece for a serious baseball collection.
$850
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