Americana
Rare Americana Books, Manuscripts & More for Sale Online
If you’re looking for first edition books celebrating the American experience, you’ve come to the right place. At Raptis Rare Books we maintain an extensive collection of rare Americana, books, manuscripts and more. Browse through our entire collection online, use our sorting tools or search to find exactly what you’re looking for then call with any questions you may have or order online today.
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First edition of James Ward's A History of Gold
WARD, James.
A History of Gold as a Commodity and as a Measure of Value Its Fluctuations both in Ancient and Modern Times with an Estimate of the Probable Supplies from California to Australia.
London: William S. Orr & Co, c. 1850.
First edition of Ward's extensive survey of gold and gold mining, published at the height of the California Gold Rush. Octavo, original wrappers bound in full goatskin, retaining a section of the hand-colored folding map of the Gold Regions of Victoria and New South Wales. In near fine condition. Ownership inscription to the front panel of the original wrapper. Rare.
Price: $3,800.00 Item Number: 117088
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“The Body of Benjamin FRANKLIN Printer, Like the Covering of an Old Book Its contents torn out and stript of its Lettering and Gilding, Lies Here, Food for Worms": Scarce first edition of Nathaniel Ames' 1771 Almanack, containing the first known printing of Benjamin Franklin's famous epitaph
AMES, Nathaniel. [Benjamin Franklin].
An Astronomical Diary or Almanack, for the Year of Our Lord Christ 1771.
Boston: Printed and Sold by the Printers and Booksellers, [1770].
First edition of Nathaniel Ames' 1771 Almanack, containing the first known printing of "the most famous of American epitaphs" (Mark Van Doren). 12mo, original wrappers stitched as issued. In very good condition. Housed in a custom cloth chemise and half morocco slipcase. An exceptional example of this scarce early almanac.
Price: $3,500.00 Item Number: 125283
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Rare Reconstruction Era Carte-de-visite of Confederate Commander Robert E. Lee; Signed by Him
LEE, Robert E.
Robert E. Lee Signed Carte-de-Visite.
Lexington, Va: Boude & Miley, [1869].
Rare Reconstruction era carte-de-visite portrait of former Confederate commander General Robert E. Lee in civilian attire, boldly signed "RE Lee." The carte-de-visite measures 2.5 inches by 4 inches with Boude & Miley's imprint on the verso. This striking postwar portrait of Lee was captured by photographer Michael Miley of Lexington, Virginia in 1869, perhaps less than a year prior to Lee's death on October 12, 1870. Following the conclusion of the American Civil War in 1865, Lee became president of Washington College (later Washington and Lee University) in Lexington, Virginia; in that position, he supported reconciliation between North and South.The…
Price: $7,200.00 Item Number: 140513
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Rare original program from the Christmas Party of the Oldsmobile Girls held on December 19th 1928; signed by legendary aviator Amelia Earhart
[EARHART, Amelia].
Amelia Earhart Signed Oldsmobile Girls Club Christmas Party Program.
[Lansing, Michigan]: [1928].
Rare original program from the holiday luncheon held for female employees of Olds Motor Works held on December 19th 1928, signed by legendary aviator Amelia Earhart. Octavo, bound in handmade tissue paper with a red ribbon, illustrated with a tipped in portrait of Amelia Earhart. Signed by Earhart in pencil beneath her portrait. In very good condition.
Price: $3,500.00 Item Number: 142535
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"The Allied Armies, through sacrifice and devotion and with God's help have wrung from Germany a final and unconditional surrender": Proclamation of Nazi Germanys Surrender; Signed by Harry Truman
TRUMAN, Harry S.
A Proclamation.
Washington, D.C: May 8, 1945.
Large three-colored broadside of Harry Truman’s Proclamation declaring the surrender of Germany, boldly signed by Harry S. Truman. Also included at the lower left is the original 1945 Christmas card from the President and Mrs. Truman and at lower right, the original red, white and blue ribbon. These were presented by the President as gifts for friends. Uncommon, especially with the original Christmas card and ribbon. Matted and framed, which measures 21 inches by 28 inches.
Price: $11,500.00 Item Number: 4419
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John Brown's John Bunyan: His Life, Times and Work; signed and inscribed by John Brown, President Woodrow Wilson, Alexander Stewardt, Charles A. Salmond, James Stark and many other turn of the 20th century American, English, and Scottish educators and ministers
BROWN, John. [Woodrow Wilson; Charles A. Salmond; Alexander Stewart; James Stark; et al].
John Bunyan: His Life, Times and Work.
London: Wm. Ibister Limited, n.d..
Early edition of Reverend John Brown's important biography of his predecessor and the author of Pilgrim's Progress, English Puritan preacher John Bunyan. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the half-title page, "With all fraternal regards John Brown Bedford, England, August 10th 1899" and signed by his wife, "Ada H. Brown." Additionally signed by Robert Christie, "Robert Christie Presbyterian Seminary Allegheny, Pa"; Woodrow Wilson, "Woodrow Wilson, Princeton, New Jersey"; Alexander Stewart "Alexander Stewart D.D. St. Mary's College- St. Andrews- Scotland-"; Charles A. Salmond, "Charles A. Salmond. South Morningside Free Church, Edinburgh-"; James Stark, "James Stark Aberdeen"; and…
Price: $2,500.00 Item Number: 121964
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First edition of William Dennison Bickham's Rosecrans' Campaign with the Fourteenth Army Corps
BICKHAM, William Dennison.
Rosecrans’ Campaign with the Fourteenth Army Corps, of the Army of the Cumberland: A Narrative of Personal Observations, with a Appendix, Consisting of Official Reports of the Battle of Stone River.
Cincinnati: Moore, Wilstach, Keys & Co, Moore, Wilstach, Keys & Co..
First edition of William Dennison Bickham's Civil War memoir. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated. In good condition. Ex-library.
Price: $100.00 Item Number: 132443
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Rare Fourth American edition of Thomas Paine's Rights of Man
PAINE, Thomas.
Rights of Man: Being an Answer to Burke’s Attack on the French Revolution.
Albany: Re-Printed by Charles R. & George Webster, n.d.
Fourth American edition of Paine's classic work. Octavo, disbound. In near fine condition. A rare and desirable American separate printing.
Price: $1,600.00 Item Number: 134509
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Rare collection of printed and manuscript documents signed by the first 28 Governors of Pennsylvania
MIFFLIN, Thomas; Thomas McKean; William Findley; Joseph Hiester; et al.
Collection of 28 Autographs of the First Governors of Pennsylvania.
c. 1798-1908.
Rare collection of printed and manuscript documents, signed by the first 28 (of 29) Governors of Pennsylvania, being a near continuous representation of the office from its establishment in 1790 with the first Governorship of Thomas Mifflin, up until the 1930s with the 29th Governorship of Gifford Pinchot. Quarto, each document is tipped in to a paper folder with calligraphic title (many with engraved portraits), and housed in a quarter blue gilt morocco presentation box with a gilt gift inscription to the 30th Governor of Pennsylvania, George Howard Earle III (1890-1974), from the "Wizard of Washington" and Democratic Party politico, Emil Hurja…
Price: $6,000.00 Item Number: 142634
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First Edition of Orville J. Victor's The History, Civil, Political & Military of the Southern Rebellion
VICTOR, Orville J.
The History, Civil, Political & Military of the Southern Rebellion, From its Incipient Stages to its Close.
New York: James D. Torrey, Publisher, [1861].
Complete first edition set of one of the earliest histories of the American Civil War. Octavo, four volumes, original publisher's full pebbled morocco decorated in gilt, marbled endpapers, all edges marbled, illustrated with steel engraved plates, additional vignette title pages. frontispieces, and maps. In good condition. A rare complete set, we have never seen another one.
Price: $2,800.00 Item Number: 133063
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Frederick Douglass Autograph Letter Signed to M. M. Rodgers
DOUGLASS, Frederick.
Frederick Douglass Autograph Letter Signed.
Washington, D.C: November 30, 1888.
Autograph letter signed by Frederick Douglass to M. M. Rodgers. Octavo, one page on Lyons Parchment, the handwritten letter reads in part, "Since you have so much to desire a letter by my own hand, though I have more of that kind of work to do than ought to be required of me, I take pleasure in obliging you. I am glad to know that you are devoting your time, thought and talents to the education of the colored people of the South." In very good condition with toning, mail folds, and slight loss to the edges.
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 145323
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RARE NINETEENTH CENTURY PORTRAIT OF PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN
GARDNER, Alexander. [Abraham Lincoln].
Abraham Lincoln Portrait.
c. 1860.
Rare original painting of the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. After a photograph by Civil War photographer Alexander Gardner. Scottish photographer Alexander Gardner immigrated to the United States in 1856 where he became best known for his photographs of the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln, and the execution of the conspirators to Lincoln's assassination. In near fine condition. In a period frame. The entire piece measures 20.75 by 16.75 inches. Rare and desirable.
Price: $3,500.00 Item Number: 95830
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Extensive collection of over fifty first edition Civil War era pamphlets
DODGE, W.C.; Andrew Johnson; Henry J. Raymond; et al.
Civil War Political Pamphlet Collection.
Various publishers, c. 1861-1865.
Extensive collection of over fifty first edition Civil War era pamphlets on topics including politics, battles, foreign relations, debt, and the draft. Octavo, 52 volumes, original wrappers. The collection includes first editions of: Memorial to the Hon. Secretary of War, or, How to Strengthen our Army and Crush the Rebellion, with a Saving of Life and Treasure [Dodge, W.C. Washington DC: McGill & Witherow, 1864. From the collection of James W. Grimes (1816-1872), Governor of Iowa and United States Senator from Iowa with his ownership inscription]; Correspondence between John H. Gilmer and Honorable Hugh McCulloch, Secretary of the Treasury [Richmond:…
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 135127
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RARE AMERICAN MILITARY COMMISSION BOLDLY SIGNED BY FOUNDING FATHER JOHN HANCOCK
HANCOCK, John.
John Hancock Military Commision Signed as Governor of Massachusetts.
October 8, 1787.
Military commission signed by John Hancock in 1787 as Governor of Massachusetts. One page, partially printed, bound in boards with gilt titles to the front panel. The document appoints Peter Ayer to the rank of "Ensign of the Seventh company in the fourth Regiment and in the Brigades of the Second Division of the Militia of this Commonwealth, comprehending the County of Essex." Dated October 8th 1787 and signed by John Hancock at left beneath the Massachusetts seal. Countersigned by John Avery Jr. as Secretary of the Commonwealth and on the verso by Col. John Brickett of Haverhill. Bound with…
Price: $7,500.00 Item Number: 143823
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Rare Civil War Era Carte-de-visite of Robert E. Lee; Signed by Him
LEE, Robert E.
Robert E. Lee Signed Carte-de-Visite.
Rare Civil War era carte-de-visite portrait of General Robert E. Lee in uniform, boldly signed "RE Lee". In fine condition. Quadruple matted and framed. The entire piece measures 19 inches by 17 inches.
Price: $8,800.00 Item Number: 103675
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"In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins": Rare Henry Kirke Bush-Brown Bust of Ulysses S. Grant as the first general of the united states army
BUSH-BROWN, Henry Kirke. [Ulysses S. Grant].
Ulysses S. Grant Bronze Bust.
New York: Henry-Bonnard Bronze Co., [c. 1885].
Attractive bronze bust of of Ulysses S. Grant as General of the Army by famed American sculptor Henry Kirke Bush-Brown. The adopted nephew of sculptor Henry Kirke Brown, Henry Kirke Bush-Brown was revered for his accurate realist sculptures illustrating American history. He produced three equestrian bronze sculptures erected at the Gettysburg battlefield depicting General George Mead (the victor at Gettysburg), General John F. Reynolds (killed in action July 1, 1863), and General John Sedgwick (the senior most Union casualty of the American Civil War). In addition, Bush-Brown made a bust of Abraham Lincoln, dedicated in 1912 as part of the…
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 125381
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Col. I Winslow Ayer's The Great Treason Plot in the North During the War
AYER, I. Winslow.
The Great Treason Plot in the North During the War. Most Dangerous, Perfidious, Extensive and Startling Plot Ever Devised! Imminent Hidden Perils of the Republic. Astounding Developments Never Before Published.
Chicago: U.S. Publishing Co, n.d..
Early printing of Ayer's Civil War account. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated. In good condition.
Price: $125.00 Item Number: 132537
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Manuscript copy of the 1841 Democratic Republican Convention Proceedings; signed by Colonial American Reformer Thomas Dorr
DORR, Thomas W.
Thomas Wilson Dorr Signed January 20th 1841 Democratic Republican Convention Proceedings Document.
January 20,1841.
Rare manuscript copy of the proceedings of the January 20th 1841 Democratic Republican Convention, signed by Chairman Thomas W. Dorr. Octavo, one page, the document reads, "Resolutions. Resolved, That the members of the Convention must cordially concur in the strong recommendations of William Ennis for the post of paymaster in the Army, or purser in the Navy which have been presented by many distinguished citizens of this and other states; and they assure the President, that this appointment is most earnestly desired by the Convention, would by very generally acceptable to our citizens, and particularly gratifying to the friends of…
Price: $1,800.00 Item Number: 142568
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"No one quality by itself makes a good man or woman; many are essential; but three especially - courage, straightforward honesty, and common sense": Rare autograph quotation book lengthily inscribed by Theodore Roosevelt as President in addition to many others including William Howard Taft, John Muir, John Burroughs, and Bernard Baruch
ROOSEVELT, Theodore; William Howard Taft; John Muir; John Burroughs; Bernard Baruch et al. [Olga Roosevelt].
Theodore Roosevelt Signed and Inscribed Autograph Quotation Book.
c. 1903.
Olga Roosevelt's autograph book, lengthily inscribed and signed by Theodore Roosevelt as President of the United States, William Howard Taft as Vice President of the United States and several other famous figures of the era, including naturalists John Muir and John Burroughs and financier Bernard Baruch. Octavo, bound in full vellum with hand painted decorations to the spine and panels, patterned endpapers. Inscribed and signed by Theodore Roosevelt with a lengthy quotation, "No one quality by itself makes a good man or woman; many are essential; but three especially - courage, straightforward honesty, and common sense. Theodore Roosevelt July 23rd…
Price: $15,000.00 Item Number: 116342