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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
Harper’s Weekly – February 5, 1887, Original • “Twist the Lion’s Tail” Front Page • Ice Carnival at St. Paul • Doublepage Centerf
$37.00