October Legends Closing October 29
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2016
There always comes a time when an item of historical importance is born, a legend of sorts. Well this newspaper fits that statement to a tee. "DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN". Even those not remotely knowledgeable about historic newspapers are familiar with this headline as it appeared in countless history books, historical reviews of the 20th century, and presidential campaign and election reports.
It was the early "two star" edition of this paper which printed this famous error, changed with the second edition. It is also interesting to note that the typesetters of the Tribune were on strike at the time that much of this issue was set using a typewriter, giving it its amateur appearance. One of the identifying marks of the authenticity of any of these rare newspapers is the last column on the front page. It has a series of paragraphs that were set upside down…hard to believe but if you understood the story behind the release of the headline it would make much more sense. The Chicago Tribune was holding off getting the morning edition out to the newsstands…they waited and waited for what was a very close Presidential race. That said, they had to make a judgement call, and that they did. With Dewey leading in the later count, the call was made and history was born. To compliment the importance of this very famous newspaper is one of the most iconic photographs ever taken…Truman on the back of a train holding up the newspaper with the now infamous headline sporting a great big grin and the Presidency all his!
What even makes this rarer is the near mint condition this newspaper has been preserved. Another auction house just sold the same headline in May 2016 for $4,000, the condition of the piece we are offering here is nicer. It is rare, it is history and it is the most sought after newspaper by all collectors.