Harper’s Weekly May 21, 1887 – European Steamer Day, Easter Island, Horse Artillery, Atlanta Cruiser, Ads & Illustrations

Step back into Gilded Age America with this original May 21, 1887 issue of Harper’s Weekly — filled with rich engravings, political commentary, serialized fiction, and iconic advertising from the dawn of modern consumer culture. This issue is complete, pulled from a bound volume, and loaded with display-worthy prints.✨

⭐ Highlights of This Issue

Front page full-page engraving: “European Steamer Day—The Last Bell—All Ashore” — a beautifully detailed shipboard scene.

Double-page centerfold: Horse Artillery Going Into Action — dynamic, highly frameable military artwork.

Full-page engraving: The U.S. Armored Cruiser "Atlanta" at sea — bold and dramatic naval imagery.

Easter Island feature 🗿 — including Rapa Nui inhabitants, stone platforms, ancient ruins, and a Moai head.

Portraits of notable figures: including President of Costa Rica, Thomas Jordan, and others.

Serialized fiction in multiple chapters for those who enjoy period literature.

Period advertisements — Westinghouse Electric, Pears’ Soap, Sozodont, SSS Tonic, and more. Fantastic for framing or decor.

Additional engravings throughout, including domestic scenes, travel images, frontier topics, and humor.


📏 Size

Approximately 11" x 16", the classic Harper’s folio format.

🖼️ Framing Services Available

Want to display one of the prints? I offer:

Archival matting (acid-free)

UV-protective acrylic

Custom sizing
Perfect for home libraries, offices, antique décor, or gifts!


📦 Condition

Very good overall for a 137-year-old newspaper.

From a bound volume (so binding holes present)

Pages clean, supple, and bright

Some minor edge wear consistent with age

Images sharp and display beautifully


🚚 Shipping

Ships flat, carefully protected with archival materials to prevent bending.
I never roll historic paper.

🎁 Who This Appeals To

Antique collectors & historians

Nautical art lovers

Military & naval enthusiasts

Fans of Easter Island / anthropology

Victorian era decorators

Anyone seeking high-quality frameable 19th-century graphics


A truly rich 1880s issue with multiple display-worthy prints — a standout addition to any Harper’s Weekly collection. ✨