Original Listing Description

My listings this week will include a Fine Group of Antique Theatre Playbills, including a couple of Very Rare 18thC American Playbill Broadsides. Most important is a Feb. 3, 1794 Silk Playbill Broadside for the Grand Opening Performance of the Federal Street Theatre in Boston ("Boston Theatre"), possibly the earliest American silk playbill in existence and likely the earliest Boston playbill (comes with provenance history that was attached to back of framed playbill). Also, another nice larger 1797 Boston Theatre Playbill Broadside. Both of these early American playbills originating from the historic Whitney family estate in the Boston area. Other nice 19thC American Playbills and Early-20thC Theatre Programs as well. Also, I will be listing a c.1824 "Welcome Lafayette" Silk Ribbon as well as a wonderful and rare c.1870 Advertising Broadside Lithograph for the "Eating House" in Wethersfield, CT at the Depot of the Hartford & Wethersfield Horse Railroad. I will be listing other significant Old Ephemera items this month as well as I find time Here is a RARE 18THC AMERICAN BOSTON THEATRE PLAYBILL BROADSIDE. "MR. VILLIERS' NIGHT" for APRIL 17, 1797. "HEIGHO FOR A HUSBAND" along with "A DAY IN BOSTON; OR, THE LYNN SHOE-MAKER". The playbill itself is 19-3/8" x 12-1/4". It has been matted and framed under glass in a chrome frame in its more recent history. Entire piece framed is 26-3/8" x 18-1/4". 18thC American playbills are very scarce. I'm not sure if this playbill is from the HAY-MARKET THEATRE (1796-1803) in Boston, or another Boston theatre. I found the title for this performance on a 1798 Hay-Market Theatre ad, but don't know if it could be from the Federal Street theatre or other theatre. This early American playbill is originating from the old Whitney family estate in the Boston area. The other 1794 Boston playbill I am listing this week was previously part of the private collection of Josiah Dwight Whitney (1819-1896), the noted geologist and Professor of Geology of Harvard University (Mt. Whitney and the Whitney Glacier are both named after him). Condition: The playbill was nicely matted and framed in its more recent history. Frame has a black matting with playbill backed by another black mat. There are some areas around the outer edge of matting where it looks like the matting has contacted the glass and created darker and splotchiness to matting there (see close-up photos). Otherwise okay. Will pack with care for buyer as with all my items. INSURANCE INCLUDED in the shipping total. Look for my Important 18thC Antique Silk Boston Theater Playbill I am listing as well this week. See listing for payment and shipping details. Payment is due within 5 days after auction end. Item is usually shipped within 2 business days after payment is received. My normal shipping days are Mon-Thurs. Feel free to email me with any questions. Thanks for looking!

Note: This item has been sold and is no longer available. This page serves as a historical price reference for Playbill collectors and appraisers.