Saint Paul Pioneer Press Newspaper - September 7, 1997 Appraisal
Category: Printed Ephemera
Description
This item is a copy of the Sunday, September 7, 1997 edition of the Saint Paul Pioneer Press newspaper. The front page features the prominent headline "Farewell, Diana" relating to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. A large photograph shows the coffin being carried by pallbearers, adorned with flags and flowers. Smaller inset photos show members of the royal family, including Princes William and Harry with their father, Prince Charles, and a portrait of Diana. Other stories on the front page include "Mother Teresa's funeral delayed" and a local political piece about a mayoral primary. The newspaper is typical in size and construction for the era, printed on newsprint. There appear to be some creases and general handling wear consistent with an aged newspaper. The edges show some minor wear and yellowing, which is expected for a paper of this age. The overall appearance is intact but shows the signs of being a circulated or stored copy. There are no immediately visible tears or significant damage, but closer examination would be needed to confirm complete condition. The print quality is standard for the period. The masthead clearly identifies the publication and date, which are key identifying features. This newspaper serves as a historical document capturing the global reaction to a significant event.
Appraisal Report
Having examined the image of this Saint Paul Pioneer Press newspaper from September 7, 1997, which prominently features coverage of Princess Diana's funeral, I can offer a professional appraisal. The item appears to be a genuine copy of the stated date and publication, consistent with newspapers from that era in format and print style. The main content, the death and funeral of Princess Diana, was a globally significant event widely covered by all news outlets. The condition, as viewed through the image, shows expected signs of age and handling – creasing, minor edge wear, and yellowing typical of newsprint from 1997. There are no immediately visible tears or significant damage, suggesting it is intact, though full condition assessment requires a physical inspection. Newspapers reporting major historical events, especially those with significant emotional impact like Diana's passing, often see an initial surge in interest. However, the Saint Paul Pioneer Press was a widely circulated newspaper, and countless copies of this edition focusing on the same widely reported event exist. While historically significant, the rarity is low. Comparables typically involve newspapers covering major historical events, and the value is highly dependent on the newspaper's masthead (local vs. national/international), condition, and prominence of coverage. Given the regional nature of the publication and the widespread availability of newspapers covering this event, demand is relatively low in the broader collectibles market, primarily appealing to those with a specific interest in this particular newspaper or event ephemera. The primary factors impacting value are the newspaper's common availability and the standard condition based on the image. Without physical examination, I cannot definitively rule out hidden damage, tears, or mold, which would impact value significantly. Full authentication would ideally involve physical inspection to verify paper type, print method, and confirm the absence of alterations or damage not visible in the image. Provenance documentation, indicating how the paper was stored or obtained, could also add certainty, but is not typically available or expected for such items.
Appraisal Value
$10-20