SCP Auctions, Inc.
Timed Auction

Winter Premier Auction 2021

Wed, Mar 17, 2021 08:00PM EDT - Sun, Apr 4, 2021 07:58AM EDT
Lot 62

CHICAGO TRIBUNE NOVEMBER 3, 1948: DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN - CLASSIC RARITY (AL TAPPER COLLECTION)

Sold for
$2,520
Sold Price includes BP

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$3,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$30,000 $2,500
$50,000 $5,000
$100,000 $10,000
$300,000 $25,000
$500,000 $50,000

A gigantic 17x23.5” original press of the Chicago Tribune is featured here with the most famous displayable 20th Century “error” headline: “DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMA.” Some light edge chipping is present but otherwise presents in NM-MINT condition.
 The incorrect banner headline ran on the front page of the Chicago Daily Tribune on November 3, 1948 the day after the incumbent US President, Harry S. Truman won an upset victory over then Governor of New York, Thomas E. Dewey. Truman famously held up the paper at a public appearance following his successful election victory, smiling triumphantly at the error.
The Tribune heavily relied on their famous veteran Washington political analyst, Arthur Sears Henning who had earlier predicted the winner of four of five of the previous Presidential elections.  A case of bad polling was also at play as they had an almost unanimous Dewey victory on election night. The early edition of the Tribune therefore went to press with the banner headline “DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN.”
Henning also reported that Republicans would retain control of the House and Senate which would work with President Elect Dewey.  He continued with his bold predictions that Dewey and Warren won a sweeping victory in the presidential election yesterday. The early returns showed the Republican ticket leading Truman and Barkley pretty consistently in the western and southern states.” He even added “indications were that the complete returns would disclose that Dewey won the presidency by an overwhelming majority of the electoral college.”
Even as the race grew ever closer throughout the evening, Henning continued to stick to his guns and thousands of papers continued to roll of the presses. It wasn’t until the late evening dispatches that the Tribune began making amendments to their paper.  

Payment for your invoice must clear in full prior to shipping. All items will be shipped from SCP Auctions’ Laguna Niguel, CA office in the order that payments are received. Please allow up to three business days following clearance of payment for items to ship. All items will be shipped UPS/FedEx Ground unless you contact us to discuss an alternative shipping method. If you would like your items shipped in a different method, such as UPS/FedEx Next Day or UPSFedEx 2-Day, you must contact our Post Sale Services Manager Veronica Rodriguez by emailing customerservice@scpauctions.com to discuss alternative shipping instructions. Prior to bidding, please be aware of estimated shipping costs, especially for large or heavy lots. You may contact SCP Auctions for any shipping estimates lots you are bidding on or interested in bidding on. If you intend to pick up your items in person at the SCP Auctions office, please call us to schedule. Payment must clear prior to items being available for pick-up.