Historical information

The newspaper is the very first edition of The Age. The central shield has the words "COLONY OF VICTORIA" printed below it. the handwritten script has the name John Pascoe, and the location of Fawner, a suburb of Melbourne. There are eight pages comprising of two large sheets, folded one inside the other and all sides printed on.

This edition was printed and published by Francis Cooke, for the publishers Francis Cooke & Co. at The Age Newspaper and General Printing Office, 21 Elizabeth Street, South Melbourne, in the Colony of Victoria, which came into being on July 1st, 1851.

Significance

This edition of The Age newspaper is very significant as it is the first edition, printed 17th October 1854, and contains shipping news amongst may other topics in its eight pages. Newspapers were very significant in Colonial times for a meas of communication throughout the colony.

Physical description

Newspaper, The Age newspaper, Vol. 1, No. 1, first edition, Tuesday October 17th 1854. eight pages. Large format. Inscription in script on top of first and last page.

Inscriptions & markings

Handwritten in script "John Pascoe" "Fawkner"
"COLONY OF VICTORIA" "PRINTED DAILY" "PRICE SIXPENCE