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Six Issues of The West African Herald,...
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Sold on Mar 28, 2025 for:
$2,000.00
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Description
Six Issues of The West African Herald, the first Black-owned and operated newspaper printed in Africa. Includes issues dated March 1, 1858 (issue number 5 of its first year); February 20, 1871; March 31, 1871; May 20, 1871; May 17, 1873; and June 28, 1873. The newspaper was established in Cape Coast, Gold Coast (present day Ghana) by Charles Bannerman, a prominent journalist and political figure of mixed European and African descent. Each issue is four pages, with the 1858 issue being a smaller format (8 3/8 x 10 1/2 inches) and using very thin paper. Later issues use heavier stock and measure 11 1/4 x 17 1/4 inches.The West African Herald began publishing in 1858. Although the exact end date of its run is not well-documented, it clearly published into the 1870s. Charles Bannerman, its founder, died in August 1872 but his brother James remained involved with the paper and is listed as its agent in Accra in the June 28, 1873 issue. The newspaper focused on local and regional news, issues of governance, British colonial policies, and matters affecting the African community.
Four of the issues have the subscribers' names in period ink in the top margin, all being residents of Boston, Massachusetts. Two are addressed to John F. Brooks who is listed as the newspaper's agent in the United States.
We could only locate one auction record for The West African Herald; a single issue dated April 2, 1860 sold for $1500 in 2023.
The lot includes three additional partial issues (August 19, 1859; June 13, 1871; and June 28, 1873) and two copies of a single sheet supplement dated June 3, 1871 reporting on tensions and skirmishes of the Ashanti Empire.
Condition: All issues are fragile, with long separations along the horizontal folds. 1858 issue has tearing through the mast head and at top and bottom of both pages, with minor loss; as well as foxing.
Auction Info
2025 March 28 Historical Manuscripts Including Texana Signature® Auction #6316 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
March, 2025
28th
Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 263
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $1,000,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $5,000,000 per lot.
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