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Page 32 The Antique Shoppe November, 2017
collecting newspaper common), even for historically important newspapers. Having a special newspaper
headline in poor condition is better than not having one, but newspapers that are
soiled, wormy, torn, and tattered do not display well.
headlines FAKES EXIST, so let the buyer beware! With the advent of computers, fake

By Larry LeMasters newspapers are rather easily made. One way to “know” the newspaper is genuine is
to buy from reputable dealers. With that in mind, study old newspapers and know
LeMasters’ Antique News Service how they were made. It is next to impossible to reproduce an exact replica of an old
newspaper, printing techniques and paper types and quality have changed too much
Today, headlines in newspapers may not seem as large or as important as they for a truly knowledgeable collector to be fooled. Still, P.T. Barnum believed a sucker
once did, but there was a day when the world hung on the front-page headlines of is born every minute.
newspapers, and collectors still eagerly search for famous headlines. One fake newspaper all novice collectors should be aware of is the New York
The first thing a novice newspaper collector must realize is that age has little to do Herald of April 15, 1865, announcing the assassination of President Abraham
with value in newspapers. A 1795 newspaper with headlines screaming “Frost Kills Lincoln. This paper has the distinction of being called “the Most Common Fake
Peaches” would have little value when compared to a 1945 headline announcing, Historic Newspaper.” This paper has been reproduced in over 20 reprint variations.
“World War II Ends!” Value in newspapers is established by supply and demand, Also watch for reprints of old newspaper headlines by The Library of Congress.
and almost without exception, if a newspaper headline is boring, the In the name of educational reprints, the Library of Congress has reproduced a
value is low. On the other hand, if 100 collectors want a series of information newspaper headlines of old newspapers. And
headline on Elvis Presley —“The King is Dead,” historic towns often offer newspapers with famous headlines
then the value of such a newspaper goes as high as historical souvenirs, such as “The Gunfight at the
as one is willing to pay to own it. OK Corral.”
An example of value is found in the 1948 Two companies that specialize in reproduction
Chicago Tribune headline “Dewey Defeats front-page newspapers are M.C. Associates of
Truman.” As everyone knows, Truman defeated Washington and Historic Reissues of Missouri.
Dewey and remained in office as president. Following the release of Leonardo Dicaprio’s
Recently, one of these newspapers was offered on Titanic in 1997, several reproduction newspapers
eBay for $3,850 because it is both rare and desired. have been offered with the date April 16, 1912,
When the Tribune realized its error, it recalled as telling of the sinking of the HMS Titanic. These
many of these papers as it could, making them, make interesting and fun items when displayed on a
today, rare and valuable. wall, but they are relatively worthless.
This leads us to the two questions that most novice If newspaper headlines attract you, estate sales
collectors ask. First, “What makes one old newspaper remain some of the best places to find old, authentic
more desired or valuable than another?” newspapers. People have enjoyed tucking historic
Most newspaper collectors look for two factors in old headlines inside hope chests for years, and these newspapers
newspapers: 1) The historic importance of its headlines, often see their first light in 50 years at estate sales. Be early
2) the condition of the paper. Importance of headlines affects though since quality newspapers are some of the first items
desirability (the most desirable headlines are of an event in sold at estate sales.
a local newspaper in the city where the event occurred and Six newspapers The second question many novice
for the day the headline first appeared—often the day after all announcing collectors want answered is this, “Are
the event occurred) and condition affects displayability of the assassination old newspapers good investments?” The
the newspaper. And the true fun in collecting old headlines is of President John short answer is “yes;” however, there is
having them displayed on your walls. F. Kennedy. All six of no guarantee that any collectible will
I’ve read the highest price realized for an American these were offered on bring a profit when resold. Most old
eBay as a set for $130.
newspaper headline was $110,000 paid at auction for a newspapers are truly rare (in a world
1787 Pennsylvania Packet (a Philadelphia newspaper) that where the meaning of “rare” has lost all
contained the first newspaper printing of the United States Constitution—a historic meaning). If you collect for investment, you run a risk since newspaper collecting
event, in the town it happened in, on the date it happened. is a “buyer’s” market because a seller must find a buyer who is ready, willing, and
While the importance of the headline catches a collector’s imagination, it is the able to purchase an old newspaper for the newspaper to have any value at all. In
overall condition of the newspaper that truly determines value and desirability. times of economic turndown or recession, people stop buying antiques, and items
Newspapers originate(d) as throw away items. They were planned to be read once like old newspapers become worthless in a world where people are only trying to
and then passed on or thrown away since tomorrow another newspaper would be survive. In fact, in the toughest of economic times, some people might argue that an
printed. The survival ratio of newspapers has always been low (1 in 1,000 printed is old newspaper is only good for lining old birdcages.

iconic headlines

Regarded as the most The Stars and Stripes
recognized and sought after announced a death the whole
headline of the 20 century. world looked forward to—
th
This Chicago Daily Tribune of “HITLER DEAD.” This headline
November 3, 1948, announces was offered online for $175.
“DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN”
when, in reality, Truman won
the election. This paper was
offered on eBay for $3,850.

The National News “LINCOLN SHOT.”
This headline is quite rare and has
been listed for as much as $4,000.

Chicago American newspaper
announcing the end of Korean “KING ELVIS DEAD.” Everyone knew who Elvis was,
War. This headline is valued and his death at 42 seemed like such a waste. This
at $85. Sun headline is valued at $100.