Papers published in the 18th century through about 1870 were printed on acid-free high content cotton and rag linen, so they are typically soft and pliable, and may be handled and read with reasonable care without causing damage - even to this day. In contrast, papers published generally after 1870-1880 were printed on wood pulp paper which is made with a sulfite process that causes high acidic residue in the paper. As a result of this high acidity, papers published after this period typically turn brown and often become brittle and difficult to handle.

All newspapers are unique but ours make for excellent candidates to frame and hang prominently in your home or office. Each newspaper typically includes only four pages so they are not bulky, and we’ve included the approximate dimensions for each of our listings. Please let us know if you are interested in having your purchase framed and we would be happy to assist.

Familiar publishers of today were not yet in business around the time of the American Revolution (with one exception - the Hartford Courant, which remains the longest continuously published newspaper in the US dating back to 1764). By the start of the Revolution, there were approximately 44 papers being printed in the American colonies with over half of the publications coming from Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Williamsburg, Virginia.

Notable papers from this early era include the Boston Evening Post, New England Chronicle, and Massachusetts Spy from Massachusetts, the Pennsylvania Gazette, Pennsylvania Chronicle, and Pennsylvania Evening Post from Pennsylvania, the New York Journal, New-York Weekly Gazette and Weekly Mercury, and Rivington’s New York Gazetteer, from New York and three different papers entitled Virginia Gazette from Virginia.

By the mid-1790s, approximately 150 to 200 papers were being published across 21 states, though the most notable - Columbian Centinel, Independent Chronicle, Hartford Courant, Connecticut Journal,Daily Advertiser, New York Daily Gazette, Dunlap’s Daily Advertiser, Gazette of the United States, Virginia Gazette & Daily Advertiser, and Norfolk Herald - still originated from New England, Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia. Over time, publishers evolved and merged with one another, and a few - like the Boston Herald - can trace their lineage to papers of today.

We are always excited to talk about the history of newspapers, so if you have a particular publisher you’re interested in please contact us.

The handwriting seen along the top of some newspapers is the name of the paper’s owner or subscriber. Though the writing is sometimes not clear or legible, on occasion the name may be a recognizable historical figure.

We bring over 20 years’ experience collecting and curating historic newspapers and we guarantee that each paper provided by Pressing History is original and authentic. To that end, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your purchase.

Reprint, fake, or facsimile newspapers from the 18th and early-19th centuries are extremely rare, with a vast majority of such issues limited to fewer than 20 titles. The Library of Congress maintains a check list of points to look for on most of these issues that may be viewed on their site, and the following indicators also help guide us in determining authenticity:

• Does the newsprint match that used at that time? Genuine pre-1880 papers are typically printed on high rag content linen which is pliable, sturdy and reasonably white. Post-1880 era reprints are usually more browned, fragile, and lacking in physical substance. 
• Does the newspaper contain an historic or significant report? Genuine historic newspapers are rarely found randomly outside of institutions or in significant, larger collections like ours. Reprints may contain notable historic reports but often lack the other mundane news from that day. 
• Is the issue a volume one, number one issue? If so we pay extra attention as these may be reprinted on key anniversary dates.
• Does the format, content, or any extraneous content in the paper appear unusual or out of the ordinary? Many reprints were prepared for promotional purposes and, as such, were altered to serve another purpose beyond just reprinting a genuine newspaper.

Like fine art, historic newspapers are described and assessed for quality with specific terminology:

• Foxing: Dark spots due to age, chemical content of the paper, or storage environment.
• Uncut: Edges of the paper are irregularly shaped as originally printed.
• Trimmed: Paper edges trimmed with straight cuts, typically to include papers into a bound volume.
• Close cut: Trimmed paper edges approaching or sometimes extending into printed content.
• Disbound: Paper was removed from a bound volume and as such may include irregular spine and possibly binding holes or slashes.
• Strengthened: Application of archival tape, typically to reattach or strengthen the folded spine of the newspaper.
• Archival Mend: Typically includes the application of clear archival tape to secure and reinforce small edge tears or reinforce tears at folds.
• Octavo (8vo): Approximately 8 1/2 by 5 inches. A popular size for 18th Century magazines.
• Quarto (4to): Approximately 12 by 9 inches. A common size for many early newspapers.
• Folio: Full-size paper. 18th Century folio issues are approximately 17 by 11 inches, while 19th Century folio issues come closer in size to present-day newspapers.

Unless your order includes framing or other special handling, we typically pack orders within 5 business days of receipt. Shipping times vary based on proximity from our facility in Massachusetts, but most packages arrive within a week of shipment. However, if you require expedited shipment, please don’t hesitate to contact us to make special arrangements.

Yes, all orders are insured for their full purchase price and are carefully packaged for shipping.

We currently only ship within the United States but please contact us if you have a need for overseas shipping.