The Illustrated Catalogue & History of Centennial Exhibition Philadelphia 1876 For Sale

**Title:** The Illustrated Catalogue and History of the Centennial Exhibition, Philadelphia 1876**Issue/Volume:** Part 1 (The Only Authorized Edition)**Publisher:** John Filmer, Engraver and Printer (293 & 295 Broadway, New York)**Illustrators:** George C. Bell and other eminent artists**Included Ephemera Extra:** Original Prospectus Slip for Sole Agent P. H. Gallagher**Publication Date:** 1876**Format:** Original Antique Softcover Serialized Booklet / Journal**Original Price:** 50 Cents per part
**Item Description:**Up for sale is an authentic, highly collectible 1876 softcover serial: Part 1 of \"The Illustrated Catalogue and History of the Centennial Exhibition.\" Published on-site by the authority of the Centennial Catalogue Company during America\'s historic first official World\'s Fair in Philadelphia, this authorized souvenir document captures the grand spirit of the era.
This cornerstone first installment features a beautifully engraved title page, a comprehensive preface analyzing the importance of international exhibitions, a stunning large-scale woodcut engraving of Horticultural Hall, and an intricate circular celebratory medallion plate dedicated to the Centennial Board of Finance.
**Bonus Regional Advertising Ephemera:**This specific copy includes a fascinating original loose advertising/prospectus card tucked inside: \"P. H. Gallagher, Sole Agent for Northern Ohio and Southern Michigan. Post Office Address, Cleveland or Toledo, O.\" This insert adds incredible regional provenance to the piece, detailing the subscription structure for midwestern delivery during the exhibition year.
**Condition Details:**This genuine 150-year-old historic booklet is in **Fair / Reading & Restoration Condition** and exhibits severe exterior wear common for fragile 19th-century paper wraps:* **Covers & Spine:** BOTH the front and back grey paper covers are COMPLETELY DETACHED from the text block. The paper margins along the detached covers and spine show heavy fraying, chipping, and tearing as pictured.* **Interior Pages & Insert:** Despite the detached outer covers, the inner text block remains completely intact as a solid unit. The rare loose P.H. Gallagher regional agent advertising slip is cleanly preserved. The title page, preface, and decorative full-page engraving plates (including Horticultural Hall, Hoe\'s printing presses, and the Browne & Buckwell harp feature) are remarkably clean, flat, and legible with excellent visual contrast.
This item is an ideal candidate for professional archival tape restoration, binding, or for framing the clean individual interior engraving plates. Please review all high-resolution photos carefully to evaluate the condition before purchasing. Ships flat and heavily reinforced to prevent any further wear during transit.
Please review all high-resolution photos carefully to assess the spine edge wear and paper condition before purchasing. Ships flat and thoroughly reinforced between thick sheets of protective cardboard to ensure zero bending during transit.