VERY RARE 1845 Newspaper ~ A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS ~

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'T was the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse Up for bidding is a rare DOLLAR NEWSPAPER, published in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Christmas Eve 1845. This is NOT a reprint, this is a complete original newspaper that's nearly 162 years old! This newspaper was a popular family periodical with outstanding literature, news, features, finances, entertainment and much more. The masthead has a neat U.S. silver dollar with a flying eagle pattern. Of great interest and importance in this newspaper is a front page printing of the poem " A Visit From St. Nicholas ", also known as " The Night Before Christmas " and " Twas the Night Before Christmas ", from its first line. This poem is largely responsible for the contemporary American conception of Santa Claus, including his physical appearance, the night of his visit, his mode of transportation, the number and names of his reindeer, and his delivery of toys to children. The poem was first printed anonymously in 1823, and as it gained popularity, was eventually credited to Clement Clarke Moore. This newspaper gives no credit to Moore as this was about the time that he had finally claimed authorship, and it simply titles it " Santa Claus, Or St. Nicholas ". Along with the fact that this is a very early printing of the famous poem, t's also an amazing engraving of Santa Claus, showing him on the roof with his reindeer & toy filled sleigh, bag of goodies and he's headed down the chimney! The editor credits the artist as not being a policeman "Maas". 's the editor's description of this delightful Christmas edition. CONDITION: T's 4 pages measuring a big 24" x 17" that were p rinted on durable "rag paper" which consists of cotton/linen, unlike modern wood pulp based newspapers that self destruct. T was a small 3-4" vertical tear at the top of the first page which was repaired with archival q uality document repair tape. The scans below show the repair on page 2 with results on the front. Also, this newspaper got wet at some point which left some damp staining, especially across the bottom half of the paper (see scan below), but it's still completely readable with clear print. T's some scattered foxing, typical aging, and the oval stamp at the top reads "D. ROBINSON - Harrisburg. Otherwise, good condition for this dandy historical relic. This is a true auction and bidding starts at only 99 cents with NO RESERVE! This will be sent in a PVC free, archival poly-bag suitable for long term storage. In December 2006, $280,000 was paid for an original 1860 handwritten copy of this classic poem. That's fifteen years after this newspaper was published! 'T WAS the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that ST. NICHOLAS soon would be t; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap, When out on the lawn t arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name; "Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!" As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the house-top t... read more

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