Feb 23 1878 Harper’s Weekly | Cleopatra’s Needle Supplement | Tramps’ Lodging House | US Naval Asylum Philadelphia | Pope Pius IX

Title: 🏺 Cleopatra’s Needle Supplement | 1878 Harper’s Weekly | Tramps’ Lodging House | US Naval Asylum Philadelphia | Pope Pius IX ⚓
​About This Piece of History 🕰️


​This February 1878 issue of Harper’s Weekly is a rare "triple-threat" for collectors, featuring significant content in ancient archaeology, social history, and naval heritage. It captures a unique moment in time where the world was looking backward to Ancient Egypt while grappling with the stark realities of the 19th-century urban poor. 📜✨


​Featured Highlights in This Issue:
​🏺 The Arrival of Cleopatra’s Needle (Supplement): The included original supplement features a massive 2/3 page engraving of the 3,500-year-old obelisk on the Victoria Thames Embankment. After nearly being lost at sea, its 1878 arrival in London was a global sensation. This print captures the intricate hieroglyphics and the Victorian crowd—a centerpiece for any "Egyptomania" collection.
​🏙️ "A Tramps' Lodging House" Centerfold: A powerful 2/3 double-page centerfold documenting the "tramp" crisis of the 1870s. This is a premier piece of American Social Realism, showing the gritty, human side of the Gilded Age.
​⚓ US Naval Asylum at Philadelphia: Features three large illustrations of this historic home for veterans. An essential find for Philadelphia historians and Naval enthusiasts documenting the care of 19th-century sailors.
​🇻🇦 Pope Pius IX Commemorative: Includes a full-page portrait and a grand centerfold reception scene, published as the world mourned the passing of this influential Pope in February 1878.
​🎨 Thomas Nast Satire: The front page features Nast's "Can He?"—a biting political critique—alongside a second full-page Nast illustration inside.
​Condition Report 🔍
​Completeness: Complete 16-page main issue PLUS the original illustrated supplement. 💎
​State: The woodblock engravings remain dark and striking. The "Cleopatra’s Needle" and "Naval Asylum" prints are exceptionally crisp.
​Authenticity: This is a guaranteed original February 1878 printing.
​Transparency: Please examine the high-resolution photos to appreciate the incredible detail, from the textures of the lodging house to the stone carvings of the Egyptian obelisk. 📸
​Questions? I want you to be delighted with this acquisition. Feel free to message me for specific close-ups or content details! ✉️
​Why It’s a Must-Have 🥂
​Archaeology Enthusiasts: Contemporary 1870s prints of Cleopatra's Needle are cornerstone pieces for those fascinated by the "transfer of antiquity."
​Naval & Philadelphia Historians: A rare visual record of the United States Naval Asylum during its peak years of service.
​Sophisticated Decor: These prints are museum-quality candidates for archival framing, making them perfect for a home library, law office, or tasting room. 🏛️
​Shipping & Preservation 📦✈️
​Archival Standards: Wrapped in acid-free paper to protect the 148-year-old newsprint from light and humidity. 🛡️
​Secure Transit: Shipped flat in a reinforced, crush-proof box. We never roll or fold these historic documents to preserve the integrity of the paper. 🚫🗞️
​Tracked & Insured: Fast, secure delivery with tracking provided immediately. 🚚💨
​Tags (SEO) 🏷️
​1878 Harpers Weekly, Cleopatra’s Needle Print, Egyptomania Art, Tramps Lodging House, Pope Pius IX, US Naval Asylum Philadelphia, Thomas Nast Uncle Sam, Victorian Social History, Antique Wood Engraving, Philadelphia Naval History.
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