Treasure Hunt 26/07/09

page of large historic newspaper, half dense text and half narrow advertisements

Dear Donna,

I came across this paper in my grandmother’s attic. It’s interesting and very old, as you can see.

Can you give me any information on whether it has a value?

Thank you, Donna.

Helene

Dear Helene,

I think what you have, from the photos you sent, is a section of the newspaper. It could also have been the first of many inserts to come through the year to get ready for the 1876 celebration. The Haverhill Gazette paper from Haverhill, Mass., has a 200-year history.

The value on such ephemera (paper) pieces varies with the collector. If you’re from that area it would be fun to have if a ton of them didn’t survive the times. Finding them in an attic is common. You can find lots of old newspapers this way, as they were used as insulation.

I’m just giving you a value on pieces like yours, Helene. Some ephemera can be very valuable. Your paper section would be in the $10 range to a specific collector. Priceless, though, for all the articles and advertising in it!

Thanks for sharing with us, Helene.

Author: Donna Welch

Donna Welch has spent more than 30 years in the antiques and collectibles field, appraising and instructing, and recently closed the physical location of From Out Of The Woods Antique Center (fromoutofthewoodsantiques.com) but is still doing some buying and selling. She is a member of The New Hampshire Antiques Dealer Association. If you have questions about an antique or collectible send a clear photo and information to Donna at footwdw@aol.com, or call her at 391-6550 or 624-8668.

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