Pioneer Press Newspaper, April 20, 1995 Appraisal
Category: Newspaper
Description
This item is a copy of the Pioneer Press newspaper from Thursday, April 20, 1995. The front page is dominated by the headline "The toll of terror" and a large photograph of a firefighter carrying a child in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing. Smaller headlines include "The slaughter of the innocents" and "Oklahoma City blast leaves hundreds dead or missing." The newspaper appears to be printed on newsprint, the typical material for newspapers. The edges show some wear and slight discoloration consistent with age and handling. There are visible horizontal folds across the newspaper, which is common for this type of item. The ink is black and legible, although some areas may show slight fading or smudging. There are no obvious tears or significant damage, but the overall condition indicates it is an aged paper item that may be somewhat fragile. There are also small holes along the bottom edge of the front page, likely from being folded or possibly stapled at some point. The style is that of a major metropolitan newspaper from the mid-1990s. The quality is standard for mass-produced newspapers of this era.
Appraisal Report
As the appraiser, I have visually examined the provided image of the Pioneer Press newspaper from April 20, 1995. Based on the image, the item appears to be an authentic copy of the newspaper from that date, featuring prominent coverage of the Oklahoma City bombing. The condition, while showing expected signs of age for newsprint (discoloration, folds, minor edge wear, likely staple holes at the bottom), appears to be largely intact with legible text and an un-torn front page. This event was a major national tragedy, creating a degree of historical significance for the newspaper. Demand for newspapers covering significant historical events exists among ephemera collectors and those interested in the specific event. However, newspapers are mass-produced items, making them generally not rare. Their value is heavily influenced by condition and the magnitude of the event covered. The condition here is fair, consistent with being stored folded. Market comparables for newspapers covering major historical events of this era can vary widely, but generally, mass-produced newspapers from the late 20th century, even covering significant events, do not command high values unless in exceptional condition or belonging to a truly iconic moment. Limitations in authenticity verification from images alone are significant; I cannot physically examine the paper quality, ink, or printing nuances for definitive proof. An in-person examination would allow for tactile assessment, closer scrutiny of printing methods, and a more thorough condition report. Provenance documentation verifying the source and history of the newspaper would also enhance the appraisal accuracy.
Appraisal Value
$15-30