Dewey Defeats Truman Classic & Original Complete Chicago Tribune Newspaper - Variety

Dewey Defeats Truman – Original Complete Chicago Tribune Newspaper

Historic November 3, 1948 Edition • Complete Three-Section Newspaper • Guaranteed Authentic - An interesting variety. 

Few newspapers are as instantly recognizable as the legendary "Dewey Defeats Truman" edition of the Chicago Daily Tribune dated November 3, 1948. This is an original, authentic and complete three-section newspaper featuring the bold, unmistakable front-page headline that has become one of the most famous printing errors in American history.

As election returns trickled in and press deadlines approached, Tribune editors concluded that Republican nominee Thomas E. Dewey had defeated President Harry S. Truman. Before more complete returns proved otherwise, thousands of newspapers had already been printed and distributed. Truman's surprise victory transformed this edition into perhaps the most celebrated newspaper error ever published, forever immortalized in the famous photograph of a smiling President Truman holding up the incorrect headline.

An Interesting Piece of Its Own History

One feature that makes this particular example especially interesting is that the upper right area of the front page was removed many decades ago. The famous "Dewey Defeats Truman" headline remains bold, complete and beautifully displayed, but part of the Chicago Tribune masthead is missing. Interestingly, it is not obvious at first glance since the inside page 3 shows thru.  

This type of removal was a long-standing practice within the newspaper industry. Unsold or recalled newspapers were often marked by clipping a corner or section of the front page when papers were returned to the newspaper for credit or disposal. Because the Dewey Defeats Truman edition was famously recalled after Truman's victory became known, this removed area is consistent with how returned or recalled newspapers were commonly handled during that era, giving this example an interesting connection to the story behind one of history's greatest newspaper blunders.

Condition

This is the complete three-section newspaper, something considerably less common than single-section examples. The iconic front-page headline is bold, dark and displays well. 

As noted above, the upper right of the front page was removed, leaving only part of the Chicago Tribune masthead. There is also a small area of paper loss along the right edge approximately halfway down the front page that is relatively unobtrusive and does not affect the famous headline or overall display. A darkened area is present along the horizontal fold, likely from age, weather or storage. As with most newspapers over seventy-five years old, normal toning and minor handling wear should be expected.

Collector's Perspective

Collectors generally value these newspapers based upon authenticity, completeness and eye appeal. While this example is priced below other fully intact copies because of the clipped arear, it remains a complete, original three-section newspaper with the legendary headline displayed prominently. In fact, once framed, many people notice the famous headline long before realizing part of the masthead is absent.

Original Dewey Defeats Truman newspapers continue to become more difficult to locate, particularly complete examples. Even heavily worn copies have brought several thousand dollars at auction, making this an outstanding opportunity to acquire one of the most famous newspapers ever printed at a significantly more approachable price.

As specialists in Dewey Defeats Truman newspapers, this example is accompanied by our 100% guarantee of authenticity.