Details:

Scarce two-page facsimile printing of the first newspaper issued by Benjamin Franklin, reproducing No. 80 of The New-England Courant, originally published from Monday, February 4 to Monday, February 11, 1723. Printed on both sides of a single large sheet, the facsimile recreates Franklin’s celebrated colonial newspaper, including contemporary news, commentary, advertisements, and King George I’s address to Parliament. The reverse bears the imprint: “Fac-Simile of the first Paper ever issued by Franklin, and now printed (Sept. 17, 1856) on a press once used by him.”

Good condition. The sheet exhibits expected age toning, scattered foxing, numerous edge tears and losses, fold separations, and general handling wear consistent with its age and intended use. 

Originally established in Boston by James Franklin in 1721, The New-England Courant became one of colonial America’s most influential newspapers. At just sixteen years old, Benjamin Franklin secretly contributed essays under the famous pseudonym “Silence Dogood,” marking the beginning of one of the greatest publishing careers in American history. After his brother’s imprisonment, Benjamin assumed much of the newspaper’s production before ultimately departing Boston for Philadelphia, where he would become America’s foremost printer, publisher, inventor, statesman, and Founding Father.

Issued in 1856 on a press reportedly once used by Franklin himself, this commemorative facsimile was produced more than a century after the original publication and stands as an early and highly collectible tribute to the beginnings of Franklin’s extraordinary career in American journalism and printing.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11669 1416830-1