Description:

Columbian Exposition
[Chicago, IL; New York, NY], ca. 1892-1965
Columbian Exposition & Other World's Fairs (1933, 1939, 1964) Ephemera & Collectibles, 50+ Pcs
Archive

A sizable collection of ephemera and collectibles commemorating the 1893 Columbian Exposition, the International Exposition of Chicago in 1933, the New York World's Fair of 1939, and the New York World's Fair of 1964-1965, with the majority relating to the 1893 Columbian Exposition. Ca. 1892-1965. [Chicago, Illinois and New York, New York.] The lot includes souvenir booklets, programs, passports, admission tickets, and other promotional material, many with visually arresting imagery and graphics. Expected wear and weathering commensurate with age and use, but otherwise in very good condition. Please refer to catalog photos for additional information related to condition. Approximately 52 pieces. The largest item measures 8.25" x 10.75."

The 1893 Columbian Exposition, also known as the Chicago World's Fair, was held in Chicago, Illinois between May 1 and October 31, 1893 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Columbus's New World arrival. Over the course of six months, the fair welcomed over 27 million attendees. Some 200 new buildings were constructed on 690 acres of land, including pavilions from 46 nations, 34 U.S. states, and 4 U.S. territories; and leading architects constructed 14 main buildings showcasing the latest developments in Agriculture, Manufacturing, Machinery, Mining, Electricity, Fisheries, Transportation, Forestry, and other areas. Other on-site entertainment included carnival rides, international music, dancing performances, and magic shows. Visitors could enjoy horticultural exhibits and study ethnographic displays related to American Indians. There were examples of the latest technology to be ogled, including a walking sidewalk, a skyscraper-sized refrigerator, and moving pictures provided by an electrotachyscope. Not to forget full-scale replicas of a Columbus's Armada, a Viking ship, and a battleship, as well as a fully functional 1830s locomotive.

The lot is comprised of:

1893 Columbian Exposition Material

- A lovely softcover copy of "Siegel, Cooper & Co.'s Popular Portfolio of the World's Columbian Exposition and Principal Places of Amusement, Illustrated from Water Color Drawings by C. Graham" (Chicago: Siegel, Cooper & Co., 1893), featuring beautiful color lithographs by The Winters Art Lithography Company, showing: Administration Building; Agricultural Building; Electrical Building; Fisheries and Aquarium; Gallery of Fine Arts; Grand Court; Government Building; Horticultural Hall; Machinery Hall; Manufacturers and Liberal Arts Building; Mines Building; Transportation Building; U.S. Man of War; Woman's Building; and the 2-page spread, "Birdseye View of Grounds and Buildings," showing a panoramic view of the fairgrounds. Isolated loss and looseness to covers, with scattered foxing, else near fine. 9.375" x 6.25."

- (2) large programs relating to dedication ceremonies of Columbian Exhibition buildings, the first one dated October 12th and 13th, 1892, and addressed to "Hon. M.F. King" of Portland, Maine, 8.25" x 10.75"; and the second one dated October 21st, 1892, 8" x 10." Expected wear including flattened folds with some closed tears, as well as isolated edge darkening, else very good.

- (4) booklets and cards advertising fair buildings or fairground highlights sponsored by companies such as the Pullman Company, Duluth Imperial Mill Company, Mermod & Jaccard Jewelry Company, and John Blessed & Son Grocers and Meet Dealers. The Pullman booklet measures 4" x 5.75."

- A pamphlet issued by Beekman's Ticket Agency (Boston, Massachusetts) outlining different rail and ship routes to get to the Columbian Exposition, entitled "Cheapest Rates to the World's Fair And Return, 1893."

- (2) "World's Columbian Exposition" passport booklets containing admission tickets: #24249, signed "Kate A. Carl" [possibly portrait painter Katharine Augusta Carl (1865-1938)], featuring a portrait photograph, and containing about 9 admission tickets; and #48871, completely unused, and containing admission tickets from May - October 1893. Both passport booklets measure 3.25" x 4.625."

- (24) Columbian Exposition admission tickets in various colors, featuring: (4) American Indian; (5) Christopher Columbus; (1) Benjamin Franklin; (3) George Frederick Handel; (5) Abraham Lincoln; and (6) George Washington.

- (13) Columbian Exposition admission tickets, both detached and undetached: (5) from Chicago Day, October 9, 1893; and (5) from Manhattan Day, October 21, 1893. With (6) additional specialized Columbian Exposition admission tickets including (3) Children's Special Tickets.

Other World's Fair or Exposition Material

- (2) unused admissions tickets from the International Exposition of Chicago in 1933.

- A barely used admissions ticket booklet from the New York World's Fair of 1939.

- (2) admissions tickets from the New York World's Fair of 1964-1965, one adult, one child.

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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: largest item: 8.25" x 10.75"
  • Medium: Archive

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