1893 Chicago World's Fair

[mhonzell]

(Not really currency, so I put this in the 3 dollar bill area.)

I walked through an antique store today attempting to find a vanity for my wife, but had no luck. Instead, on a shelf facing the wrong way, I saw a frame that had decorated paper backing, which usually means it is really old. I like old things, so I pulled it down and found four tickets to the 1893 Columbian Exposition. They wanted $90 and were willing to knock off 10% before I even called the owner. Something was telling me I found a bargain. I looked up one of the tickets, the George Washington and found that in Fair condition, it would garner about $45.

It now hangs on my wall.

Not having any expertise in grading paper, how would you grade these four tickets. (I only photographed the fronts. The backs are in as good, or better shape.) Each ticket is in archival plastic holders taped to a black board, inside a glass covered frame. Even the glass is old as it has a yellow tint to it and has become slightly etched over time. The photo is highly detailed if you blow it up for a good inspection.

[Paul]

VERY M,
sweet find.... :thumbsup:
it always happens when 'your not even looking'!

fantastic condition....
i hope, for your sake, that this makes a 'full set' of tickets issued for the event...

suggestion.....if you plan on keeping them in the 'frame on the wall', you have the glass replaced with "museum quality", the U.V. blocking type.....even for 'non-direct sunlight' locations....you don't want to loose any color here.

[Daniel]

Nice! They look crisp and new but have no idea on how to grade them; although a great deal on tickets in this condition.

[mhonzell]

Turns out there are a total of 10 tickets.

6 "Admit the Bearer" tickets with engraved photos, of which I have four.
(I am missing the Columbus ticket and the Handel ticket. Guess I'll have to go shopping.)

1 Child pass
1 "Day of Sale" pass
2 Special events: Chicago Day & Manhattan Day

Here is what a full set looks like:

:eureka: From a coin collector's standpoint, this may be the time to start looking at the Columbian half dollar and the Isabella quarter.

[Daniel]

:greatfind: Wow. What a great find!!

[mhonzell]

I think you misunderstood, Daniel. I only have the four in the original post. The other photo is just showing what a "full set" would be composed of.

[Daniel]

Obviously it's going to be about condition but this is what they're going for at ebay 1893 World's Fair Tickets

[mhonzell]

Like any treasure we find, it is always exciting to know what they are worth, but as usual, I am more into keeping things. They look really good to me and have a rich history of when America was booming with ideas. The bonus is that I "found" them hidden on a shelf, forgotten, and got to bring them back to life.

[dipper13]

I would be thrilled to find one in that condition. I got excited to find a lucky Lindy token in a shop. This find you got is rare and most were destroyed when used. Great stuff!!

[mhonzell]

Just acquired the last two souvenir "season" tickets.
I'll find the one day tickets someday widegrin

I've ditched the old frame and glass. Now, they are in UV protected sleeves and in a new frame.

[PetesPockets55]

Nice to see this revisited on a good note. Congratulations on finding the last two in really nice shape. Your patience paid off.