Harper’s Weekly – February 5, 1887, Original • “Twist the Lion’s Tail” Front Page • Ice Carnival at St. Paul • Doublepage Centerf

This is an authentic, original February 5, 1887 issue of Harper’s Weekly: The Journal of Civilization, packed with iconic political satire, winter festival scenes, major Gilded Age art pages, and richly illustrated reporting.

A visually exceptional issue — ideal for collectors, historians, and framing.


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⭐ Key Illustrations & Features

🦁 **Front Page Political Cartoon

“A Query for Congress—Are We In A Position to Twist The Lion’s Tail?”**
By W. A. Rogers
A bold, humorous confrontation with the British Lion — a commentary on late-19th-century U.S.–British diplomatic tension.
One of the most collectible front-page themes of the 1880s.


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❄️ The Ice Carnival at St. Paul (Four Illustrations)

A charming visual record of the famous St. Paul Winter Carnival, including:

Ice palaces

Winter games

Royal procession themes

Gilded Age celebration of winter tourism


These prints are highly displayable and great for framing.


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🕵️‍♂️ **Doublepage Centerfold

“Suspicious Guests”**
A dramatic, full-spread narrative scene — atmospheric, detailed, and excellent for wall display.


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🎨 Full Page: “The Water-Color Exhibition”

A multi-image artistic showcase including:

Landscapes

Portraits

Interiors

Genre scenes


Perfect for collectors of 19th-century American art history.


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🚉 **Full Page:

“A Bitter Night at an Elevated Railroad Station”**
A beautifully rendered nighttime city scene — bustling crowds, gaslight, winter coats, and the motion of an elevated train.
An iconic depiction of the Gilded Age urban experience.


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🧑‍💼 Portraits

Small engraved portraits of notable political figures:

Algernon S. Paddock

William B. Bate



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📰 Additional Content

National political commentary

Editorials

Social & cultural reporting

Dozens of period advertisements (Pears Soap, Castoria, early electric devices, watches, tonics, etc.)


Complete in 16 pages.


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✔️ Condition: VG / Very Good

Clean, bright pages

Strong impressions

Light edge wear at the original binding points

Excellent for collectors and framing



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🖼 Archival Framing Available

I can professionally frame any illustration from this issue with:
✓ Acid-free mat
✓ UV-protective acrylic
✓ Museum-quality presentation

Great choices for display:

The “Twisting the Lion’s Tail” front page

Any of the Ice Carnival prints

Doublepage centerfold “Suspicious Guests”

Elevated railroad night scene

Water-Color Exhibition page