Description:

Columbian Exposition
[Chicago, IL], ca. 1893
Lovely Columbian Exposition Ephemera Incl. 40" Fold-Out, 3 Pcs
Ephemera

A small collection of advertising ephemera commemorating the 1893 Columbian Exposition, also known as the Chicago World's Fair. Ca. 1893. [Chicago, Illinois.] The lot includes a visually appealing piece of stationery, a fold-out souvenir booklet, and a fair-related envelope. Expected wear and weathering, else near fine. The stationery sheet measures 5.125" x 7.875."

The 1893 Columbian Exposition 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 includes:

1. A blank bifold sheet of colorful stationery, headlined "Greeting from the / Worlds [sic] Columbian Exposition / Chicago." Featuring pictorial vignettes at the letterhead of the Electricity Building, the Fisheries Building, the Fine Arts Building, and the Statue of the Republic. Flattened transmittal folds with minor closer tear splits to the top horizontal fold, else near fine. Clean and fresh within and on the outer leaf. 5.125" x 7.875."

2. A combination souvenir/informational booklet entitled "Souvenir of the World's Columbian Exposition," compliments of A.B. Chase Co., a piano firm. The booklet with pale pink stock covers opens to reveal 12 views of well-known fairground themed buildings on the one side; and helpful travel tips regarding railroad and omnibus transportation, hotels, museums, panorama, and theatres on the other side. The booklet (3.325" x 5.25" folded) measures 5" wide x 40.75" long fully extended.

3. A blank envelope with a "Fleet of Columbus" cachet captioned "Greeting / From The White City." Moderately toned, with isolated stains and a minor closed tear affecting the envelope flap, else good. 6" x 3.5."

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: stationery: 5.125" x 7.875"
  • Medium: Ephemera

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

June 4, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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