fORDS THEATER PLAYBILLS

[Carolyn Mitchell]

Second listing that just sold on eBay a couple days ago for $257.

Description: An early reproduction of the famous Ford's theatre playbill - broadside of "Our American Cousin" at which President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, April 14, 1865. A lot of these were rushed into print as souvenirs of that tragic night right after Abraham Lincoln was shot.. Of course the originals did not have "This Evening The Performance will be honored by the presence of President Lincoln" printed on them. This one was done by "L. Brown, Printer, Washington, D.C." Research shows he did make up some of the first reproductions of this poster shortly after the event of Lincoln's death. I leave up to the experts. The paper it's printed is a tannish brown and has the markings that at one time it was folded in quarters. Inside is a white cardboard type material with the name W. (F.?) Roach written in pencil. I do not know who he was. It is housed in an old ebony frame with four holes to imply that it was attached in this manner to a wall. There is also a wire hanger attached. Overall with frame it measures approx. 6-1/4"x13-7/8", Playbill measures approx. 4-3/4"x12-1/2".