Overview
An original 1867 softcover commemorative pamphlet documenting the erection and dedication of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in Mount Hope Cemetery.
Identification
Boston Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument Dedication Pamphlet, 1867
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
Printed by order of the Boston City Council in 1867 to commemorate the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in Mount Hope Cemetery. This specific copy bears institutional history, evidenced by an 1882 Library of Congress duplicate stamp and a Western Reserve Historical Society stamp, indicating it was formally deaccessioned from major archives. The secondary market for late 19th-century municipal commemorative pamphlets is niche, primarily driven by regional historians, Civil War collectors, and institutional buyers.
Maker / Origin
Unattributed
Condition & Value
The item is described as an original softcover with ex-library stamps. Ex-library marks (stamps, bookplates, or spine numbers) typically reduce the appeal for condition-sensitive private collectors, though they remain acceptable to researchers.
Full Research
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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Market Analysis
The secondary market for late 19th-century municipal commemorative pamphlets is niche, primarily driven by regional historians, Civil War collectors, and institutional buyers. Standard municipal publications from major cities like Boston are relatively common and trade frequently in the $20-$50 range. Premium prices in this category are strictly reserved for pamphlets containing original photography, significant signatures, or addresses by major historical figures.
Value Drivers
▲ Direct connection to post-Civil War Boston history and the Mount Hope Cemetery monument
▲ Original 1867 printing date places it squarely in the Reconstruction era
▲ Institutional provenance (LOC and Western Reserve stamps) provides a documented chain of custody
Concerns
▼ Ex-library status generally caps collector value compared to pristine, unmarked copies
▼ Softcover pamphlets from this era are prone to wrapper detachment and fragile spines
▼ Lacks premium features (like original albumen prints or famous speakers) that drive high-end pamphlet sales
Best Venue
List on platforms like eBay or AbeBooks targeting Civil War or Boston history collectors. An optimistic list price of $45-$50 allows room for offers, with a likely final sale in the $25-$35 range. Ensure the historical stamps and the condition of the binding are clearly photographed.
Upside Potential
If the pamphlet is found to contain an unrecorded original tipped-in photograph or an inscription by a notable Boston historical figure, the value could shift closer to the $100-$150 tier.