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Abraham Lincoln Assassination: Playbill Advertisement Featuring John Wilkes Booth....
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Sold on Apr 24, 2026 for:
$1,250.00
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Description
Abraham Lincoln Assassination: Playbill Advertisement Featuring John Wilkes Booth. Broadside, 5 3/4" x 14 1/8", Boston; 1863. Printed by F. A. Searle, advertising John Wilkes Booth's performances as "Alfred Evelyn! In Bulwer's great play of Money!", and "Raphael, the Sculptor! In the impressive romantic drama, The Marble Heart!"A period annotation in pencil on the verso reads, "Went with Henry had a very nice time. Rode out in the cars with Col. Wild had a nice talk with him." The writer is possibly referring to Colonel Edward A. Wild, who had lost his left arm after the Battle of South Mountain in late 1862, and spent several months recovering in Massachusetts. Wild, a fervent abolitionist, would go on to lead several regiments of African-American soldiers.
Booth starred at the Boston Museum from January 19 through February 14, 1863. Prior to his assassination of Lincoln, Booth was a leading actor of his time, his celebrity eclipsing many of his contemporaries. Indeed, the January 19, 1863 issue of the Boston Post praised Booth's opening performance of that season, writing that it "may be remembered as one creating a profound sensation among theatre-goers, distinguished both for its extraordinary power and marked originality." Ironically, it would be partly this celebrity that would allow Booth to enter Ford's Theatre the night of April 14, 1865, without even a second glance from the management.
Condition: Light toning and minor edgewear commensurate with age. A few light stains; minor stray ink marks near the bottom. A single pinhole at the center of the left edge. Overall very well preserved.
Auction Info
2026 April 24 - 25 Americana & Political Signature® Auction #6327 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
April, 2026
24th-25th
Friday-Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 6
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 539
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25% of the successful bid per lot.
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