Columbian Exposition, Lot of 4

Updated August 6, 2026

Estimate: 40 / 400 A group of four souvenirs and publications relating to the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, including two photographic books, the official exposition guide, and a commemorative ribbon issued for the 400th anniversary of Columbus's landing. The Magic City: A Massive Portfolio of Original Photographic Views of the Great World's Fair by J.W. Buel (St. Louis: Historical Publishing Co., 1894). Large quarto with approximately 244 pages of full-page photographic views documenting the architecture, exhibits, and attractions of the Columbian Exposition. Quarter leather binding with gilt title. Binding remains sound with some wear to the leather, a few preliminary leaves slightly loose, and otherwise clean text and photographs. World's Fair Through a Camera—Snapshots by an Artist from photographs by F. Dundas Todd (Chicago: Union News Co., 1893). A compact volume containing approximately 176 full-page photographs of the fairgrounds and exhibits. Red cloth with bright gilt title, including a contemporary Christmas 1893 presentation inscription on the front endpaper. Clean, bright internally with a tight binding and in very good-plus condition. Official Guide to the World's Columbian Exposition, compiled by John J. Flinn (Chicago: Columbian Guide Co., 1893). The official 192-page guidebook to the exposition, illustrated throughout and retaining the map endpapers. An interesting period ownership inscription records a family's ten-day visit to the fair beginning September 2, 1893, noting that the owner's companions were his mother and two young children, Hattie and Louie. Covers worn, with the front nearly detached and the rear cover lacking, but internally clean with bright illustrations. 1492–1892 Columbus Anniversary Ribbon. Original red, white, and blue cloth ribbon commemorating the 400th anniversary of Columbus's landing, decorated with an American flag and inset portraits of Columbus, Lady Liberty, and a sailing ship. Approximately 2½ × 4½ inches. A contemporary name, address, and October 21, 1892 date are penciled on the reverse without affecting the display. Colors remain bright, and despite minor fraying at the lower edge, the ribbon is in very good condition. Condition: Ranges Good to Very Good.

Register & bid on this lot at Bidspirit →

More lots in this auction

• 1655, 1st ed. Church-History
• [Maritime Medicine] Diseases of Seamen
• 1726, Tyrants of Syracuse
• [Civil War] Collection of Naval Orders
• [Americana, Florida, Carolinas, Spain]
• Rare Civil War Pamphlet, 1861
• [Native Americana] 6 McKenney & Hall Plates
• [SIGNED] Robert Frost

See all lots in 1066: Rare Books & Bookworm, ONLINE-ONLY Sale →