BABE RUTH’S FIRST HOME RUN AS A YANKEE!

“THE SULTAN OF SWAT” BEGINS TO PAY OFF FOR NEW YORK

The Galveston Daily News
Galveston, Texas
May 2, 1920

Sports page headline: “BABE RUTH HITS OUT FIRST 1920 HOME RUN.”As the Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox 6-0, the account reports, “Ruth hit his first home run in a New York uniform in a championship game.” He went 2 for 4 against the Sox this day. The story contains the complete box score of the game. It’s interesting that a Texas newspaper would pay so much attention, but Babe Ruth was starting to become a national superstar! In 1920, Ruth went on to shatter the existing record by clubbing 54 round trippers in a single season! This was his first historic HR as a Yankee.

Complete newspaper. Usual browning, but very nice as it had been stored flat in a bound volume by a major institution. For the Yankee fan!

$750

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, Sports History

BATTLESHIP “MAINE” SUNK IN HAVANA HARBOR

THE WRECK OF THE MAINE – INVESTIGATION BEGINS
CATALYST OF THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR

The Mason City Globe-Gazette
Mason City, Iowa
February 24, 1898

“ALL EYES ON HAVANA Public Must Patiently Await Results of Maine Inquiry.” The inquiry included salvage divers attempting to piece together the puzzle of how the U.S. Battleship “Maine,” was mysteriously blown up in Cuba. See scans of the three front page sketches of the terrible wreck. 260 American sailors were killed in the explosion. After the investigation, the Americans claimed it was caused by a Spanish mine, while the Spaniards insisted it had to be an internal explosion on the vessel. 13 years later, the hull was re-examined by American experts and the inquiry board claimed the explosion was indeed external. The verdict still remains controversial, as the hulk was immediately towed out to deep water before there could be any further investigation. “Remember the Maine!” became a battle-cry in the ensuing Spanish-American War.

This very scarce newspaper is in good condition, with an irregular spine and a little marginal chipping. Virtually all newspapers of this particular vintage are fairly fragile. This one is still intact and would be a great candidate for framing…and a wonderful conversation piece! Spanish-American War newspapers are very uncommon. This one is a must for any serious collection of famous events in American history.

$295

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, Late 19th Century

GANGSTER DUTCH SCHULTZ IS SHOT TO DEATH

COHORTS GUNNED DOWN IN A HAIL OF MACHINE GUN BULLETS
SCHULTZ SHOT WHILE IN THE BATHROOM OF A NEW JERSEY BAR

The New York Times
October 24, 1935

The bold two-line headline screams: “SCHULTZ IS SHOT, ONE AIDE KILLED AND 3 WOUNDED.” “ATTACK IN NEWARK CAFE. Beer Runner and Three Companions Assailed by Two Gunmen. He is Hit in Abdomen by Two Machine Gunners as His Henchmen Return Fire.” The story begins,“Gangland bullets felled Arthur (Dutch Schultz) Flegenheimer, notorious former beer-runner, and three companions in a Newark (N.J.) tavern last night, precipitating warfare between racketeering gangs that led to the shooting about an hour and a half later of a Schultz henchman and a companion in this city.” The lengthy story (and others) continue on page 9 with a nice photo of the notorious gang boss.

Dutch Schultz and his gang were notorious in the Harlem numbers racket, restaurant extortion, and other forms of organized crime. In the middle of fighting a tax evasion case and being hounded by U.S Attorney Thomas Dewey, Schultz decided to kill the Federal official. The majority of Mafia bosses, however, were against such an idea figuring Dewey’s death would bring the Federal Government down on them all, so they decided to kill Schultz instead to keep him from carrying out his threat.

Complete 44-page issue in excellent condition, beautifully printed on enduing white rag paper–only some 90 issues were printed. A must issue for any serious Gangster collection!

$295

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, The 20th + 21st Centuries

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ASSASSINATED

THE GREAT CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER IS GUNNED DOWN IN MEMPHIS

Daily News
New York
April 5, 1968

In real “Breaking News,” this newspaper prints the huge front page headline: “MARTIN KING SHOT TO DEATH. Gunned Down in Memphis.”

Page two contains the story under the headline: “Rev. King Slain by Memphis Sniper.” The story reads, in part, “Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who won the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize, was shot to death shortly before 6 p.m. tonight as he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Hotel in downtown Memphis….Police said they were looking for “a young, white male, well dressed” who was seen running from a building across the street from the hotel, at 406 Mulberry St., in a predominantly Negro section.” The story also contains a large photograph (see scan) of the slain Civil Rights leader.

Here is the complete 28-page edition of the Daily News in excellent condition. I’ve never before seen the Civil Rights leader’s name printed “MARTIN KING.” Rare and very desirable. This one won’t last long.

$750

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under African American History, All Historic Newspapers, The 20th + 21st Centuries

BILL CLINTON ADMITS HE LIED!

THE U.S. PRESIDENT TELLS NATION OF RELATIONSHIP WITH MONICA LEWINSKY

‘LIAR, LIAR”

Daily News
New York
August 18, 1998

President Bill Clinton finally admits what many people suspected or knew. Pages two and three contain the huge headline: “CLINTON ADMITS MONICA LIASON.” “In TV confession, says he misled us.” This historic issue is simply filled with page after page of headlines, accounts, commentary and large photographs.

Just the previous January, Clinton had made a short speech looking into a tv camera saying, “I did not have sexual relatios with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.” But, with independent counsel Ken Starr bearing down on him, the President decided to try and save his presidency by “leveling” with the American People. The account said he stopped short of a full apology, and struck out at Starr for “the politics of personal destruction.” Vice President Al Gore “lauds Prez’ courage, sez it’s time to move on.” Another headline I found fascinating was, “First Lady got the ugly truth this weekend.” It’s pretty well known that Hillary not only knew about Monica, but was micromanaging the damage control, having had to live through numerous previous liaisons dating back to their time in Arkansas.

Complete newspaper in near mint condition. The first one I’ve ever had to offer.

$175

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, The 20th + 21st Centuries

WOMEN GET THE RIGHT TO VOTE

THE 19TH AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION IS FINALLY RATIFIED

Taunton Daily Gazette
Taunton, Mass.
August 18, 1920

Tennessee ratifies the Susan B. Anthony constitutional amendment becoming the 36th state to do so. The amendment gives women the right to vote in national elections regardless of state laws. Two big headlines announce the historic news: “FEDERAL SUFFRAGE AMENDMENT IS RATIFIED TODAY. LONG FIGHT FOR EQUAL SUFFRAGE WON AT LAST.”

This is the complete 10-page newspaper in very good condition stored flat since 1920 in an original bound volume. Couple of minor corners missing, usual browning, but very nice overall…and displayable to make a great conversation piece.

$475

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, The 20th + 21st Centuries

HITLER BECOMES CHANCELLOR OF GERMANY

NAZIS BEGIN THEIR TAKEOVER OF GERMANY

The New York Times
January 31, 1933

The Times famous triple-tiered headlines shout: “HITLER MADE CHANCELLOR OF GERMANY BUT COALITION CABINET LIMITS POWER; CENTRISTS HOLD BALANCE IN REICHSTAG.” After losing several elections to President Von Hindenburg, Franz von Papen makes a deal with the WWI general to make Adolf Hitler, leader of the National Socialist Party, Chancellor of Germany even though they don’t have a majority in the Reichstag. The story includes this fascinating statement: “The composition of the Cabinet leaves Herr Hitler no scope for gratification of any dictatorial ambition.” (I think history proved differently)! Yet, the front page also contains a story by the AP headed, “HITLER PLEDGES FIGHT IN CABINET.” The Nazi statement says, in part, “After a thirteen-year struggle the National Socialist movement has succeeded in breaking through to the government; the struggle to win the German nation, however, is only the beginning.” Reaction to the news of Hitler’s appointment at German Chancellor is mixed in Europe. Poland hopes Hitler’s new post will help show the world the true face of what Germany will become under the Nazi Party. Page three contains photographs of Hitler, Franz Von Papen, Dr. Wilhelm F. Frick, and the future head of the Luftwaffe Herman Goering.

Here is the complete and original 38-page Times newspaper in superb white condition, printed on special rag stock for preservation. Only around ninety such issues were printed in 1933. This issue has been reprinted from microfilm in a number of books I’ve seen.

$350

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, The 20th + 21st Centuries, World War II

RICHARD NIXON PARDONED FOR WATERGATE!

“FORD GRANTS NIXON FULL PARDON;
SAYS HE HAS ‘SUFFERED ENOUGH'”

The Washington Post
September 9, 1974

Bold two-line banner headlines announce that President Gerald Ford has finally granted former President Richard M. Nixon a pardon for his involvement in the Watergate Fiasco. The front page report begins: “President Ford yesterday granted former President Nixon a “full, free and absolute pardon” for all federal crimes Mr. Nixon “committed or may have committed” during his term in the White House. Mr. Nixon promptly issued a statement from his home in California accepting the pardon and admitting he had made mistakes but not acknowledging any crimes.” (“I am not a crook!”)

The historic newspaper contains other headlines and stories such as “Nixon To Control His Papers,” “Not Consulted About Pardon, Jaworski Says,” and “Nixon Aides Urged Pardon.” There is also a very large photo of President Ford reading the statement that he has granted a pardon to President Nixon.

Complete newspaper in very fine condition. Someone put this one away for keeps! Although “NIXON RESIGNS” newspapers are not uncommon, the Ford Pardon issues were only saved in tiny numbers. This is the first one we’ve had for sale. For the finest collection of political memorabilia.

$245

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, The 20th + 21st Centuries

SLAVERY IS ABOLISHED IN THE U.S.

THE THIRTEENTH AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION IS RATIFIED BY TWENTY-SIX STATES
ANNOUNCEMENT BY SECRETARY OF STATE WILLIAM SEWARD

The New York Herald
December 19, 1865

Following the end of the great Civil War, The Herald, the largest-selling newspaper at the time, publishes smack on page one, the amendment that abolished the heinous institution of slavery for all time. Secretary of State William Seward issues the proclamation which states, in part:

“Article XIII, Section 1. NEITHER SLAVERY NOR INVOLUNTARY SERVITUDE, EXCEPT AS A PUNISHMENT FOR CRIME, WHEREOF THE PARTY SHALL HAVE BEEN DULY CONVICTED, SHALL EXIST WITHIN THE UNITED STATES, OR ANY PLACE SUBJECT TO THEIR JURISDICTION.”

On the editorial page, the announcement reads, in full:”THE NEWS. THE ANTI-SLAVERY AMENDMENT. Secretary Seward has officially announced that notifications of the adoption by the Legislatures of twenty-seven States of the amendment to the national constitution abolishing and prohibiting slavery throughout the country have been filed in the State Department; that the number of States being thirty-six, the amendment has been ratified by three-fourths of them, and that it is therefore now a part of the constitution, and valid to all intents and purposes.”Here is the complete and original printing of eight pages, and in very fine condition. (Scan looks “brownish”–actually the newspaper is nice and white as printed) A key event in African American history, and a coup for any museum, institution, or collector. December 18, 2015, will mark the 150th anniversary of the ratification announcement!

$8,500

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under African American History, All Historic Newspapers, The Civil War

YANKEES BUY BABE RUTH FROM THE BOSTON RED SOX!

HIGHEST PRICE EVER PAID FOR A BASEBALL PLAYER
“THE CURSE OF THE BAMBINO”
POSSIBLY THE WORST TRADE IN BASEBALL HISTORY (for the Sox, that is)!

The World
New York
January 6, 1920

In a startling deal that was to have a long-lasting impact on the entire American League, the Boston Red Sox agree to sell George Herman “Babe” Ruth to the New York Yankees for a record price of over $100,000 (and this was in 1920)! The single-column front page headlines announce the story to delighted New York Yankee fans:“YANKEES BUY RUTH AND HOME RUN BAT FOR OVER $100,000.” “Pay Highest Price in History.” “Col. Ruppert Says New York is Carrying Out Policy to Get a Winning Team.” The Times Sports Section continues the amazing announcement with headlines and a superb photo of the new Yankee slugger. And, Ruth himself said he was “not surprised!” The star player stated, “When I made my demand on the Red Sox for $20,000 a year I had an idea they would choose to sell me rather than pay the increase, and I knew the Yankees were the most probable purchasers.”

Undoubtedly, this is one of the most historic sports issues we have ever owned–Babe Ruth’s acquisition by the Yankees reported in a large New York newspaper! 28 pp., complete and in very good condition. An absolute prize for the finest baseball collection!

SOLD