BROOKLYN BRIDGE Original TIFFANY & Co. OPENING CEREMONIES Invitation / Invite

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.