Lot 206

Benjamin Franklin Bridge Opening Invitation

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Benjamin Franklin Bridge Opening Invitation

Estimate: $500 - $600

Current Bid: $750

(4 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Benjamin Franklin Bridge
Philadelphia, PA, July 1, 1926
Benjamin Franklin Bridge Opening Invitation
Ticket/Invitation

Original engraved invitation issued by The Delaware River Bridge Joint Commission of Pennsylvania and New Jersey for the official opening ceremonies of the Delaware River Bridge, later renamed the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. The invitation is dated Thursday, July 1st, 1926, and invites "Mr. Howard E. Linderman" to witness the dedication ceremonies commemorating the opening of the monumental suspension bridge connecting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Camden, New Jersey. The invitation features an elegant engraved illustration of the bridge above patriotic imagery incorporating the Liberty Bell and American flags. Printed in ornate script, the invitation details the ceremony schedule and lists commissioners, engineers, and officials associated with the bridge project. Included is the original mailing envelope bearing the printed return address of the Delaware River Bridge Joint Commission at the Widener Building in Philadelphia. The invitation, printed on a thick cardstock, remains well-preserved overall with expected age toning, light edge wear, and handling marks consistent with nearly a century of age. Measures 8.5" x 11".

The Delaware River Bridge, officially opened on July 1, 1926, was one of the great engineering achievements of the early twentieth century. At the time of its completion, the bridge possessed the longest suspension span in the world, symbolizing the rapid modernization and industrial growth of the Philadelphia region during the 1920s. The bridge linked Philadelphia and Camden more efficiently than ever before, strengthening economic and transportation ties between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In 1955, the structure was renamed the Benjamin Franklin Bridge in honor of Philadelphia's most celebrated founding figure.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: Ticket/Invitation

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000