The Agents' Herald, Philadelphia, January 1883, 7th Year, No. 1, published by L. Lum Smith and entered at the Philadelphia post office as second-class matter. A Victorian trade paper for traveling agents and canvassers, measuring about 12 x 8.8 inches. Well used: heavy toning, stains, ragged and chipped edges, tears and losses at the right edge and corners, and scattered red marks on the back page.

The front page carries the wonderful engraved masthead with "Progress" and "Originality" banners, a ship, train and pier pavilion, a canvasser with his sample case reading "Agent and Canvasser," and a gentleman at his ease. A banner headline announces "A Grand and Exciting Political Premium Contest" asking readers to vote on "Who will be our next President." Inside text includes the poem "God Knows the Best" and the serial story "Pride Conquered."

The page shown on the back includes a column "A Fraud on Ex-Soldiers" about the General Land Office and a firm claiming to locate homestead land for veterans.

An early piece of American direct-selling and mail-order history. Sold as found; pages have not been checked for completeness.