The Brooklyn Bridge Invitation | Tiffany & Co., 1883

FOR THE NEW YORKER WHO HAS EVERYTHING EXCEPT AN INVITATION TO 1883

Some people love New York. Others have made it their entire personality.

For the lifelong New Yorker, the architecture enthusiast, or the history collector who believes the city’s greatest treasures aren’t necessarily found in jewelry boxes, we present an invitation to one of the most extraordinary days in New York’s history.

On May 24, 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge opened to the public. And while most of us would need a time machine to attend the celebration, this original invitation, engraved by Tiffany & Co., offers something considerably more tangible.

An actual invitation to the opening ceremonies.

Not a reproduction. Not a commemorative print. An original piece of nineteenth-century history, created for the occasion itself.

Selected for The Elusive Gift because finding something truly unexpected for a devoted New Yorker is no small undertaking.

After all, they may already have a beautiful view of the Brooklyn Bridge.

But we’d be willing to bet they don’t have an invitation to its grand opening.

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Scarce, original 1883 Tiffany & Co. engraved, UNADDRESSED Brooklyn Bridge Opening Ceremonies invitation featuring an engraved image of the world-famous bridge and engineering marvel. Printed on heavyweight cream colored cardstock, measuring 6.5” x 9”, the invitation is illustrated with an etched vignette of the "New York and Brooklyn Bridge" as it was then known, featuring the East River and flanked by the seals of the City of New York and the City of Brooklyn. A fantastic artifact of early New York history. 

"The Trustees of the New York and Brooklyn Bridge request the honor of the presence of __________, at the Opening Ceremonies, to take place on Thursday, May 24th, at two o'clock, P.M."

Issued by the Board of Trustees, the mayors of both cities, and chief engineer Washington Roebling. Under construction for over a dozen years, the Brooklyn Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, a marvel of modern steel-wire engineering. It remains one of the iconic monuments of New York City, linking the cities of New York and Brooklyn back then for the first time, transforming commerce and daily life in the region.

The events of the day included speeches, bands, cannon fire, fireworks and notable attendees such as President Chester A. Arthur and New York's governor Grover Cleveland.

Similar Brooklyn Bridge invitations can be found in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.

Condition is as shown, with toning and water stain across top portion. Invitation measures appx. 6.5" x 9". Light bow to the cardstock.

Sold as is, as shown.