National Lampoon — April 1970, Vol. 1 No. 1, "Sexy Cover Issue" — First Issue Ever Published (Vintage Magazine)
National Lampoon — April 1970, Vol. 1 No. 1, "Sexy Cover Issue" — First Issue Ever Published (Vintage Magazine)
The first issue of National Lampoon ever published — Vol. 1, No. 1, April 1970. The magazine that changed American humor launched with this issue, founded by Doug Kenney, Henry Beard, and Robert Hoffman — three Harvard Lampoon alumni who set out to build a national satirical magazine with no track record, no guaranteed audience, and no idea they were about to produce the most influential humor publication in American history.
The “Sexy Cover Issue” is among the most recognized early editions and a genuine piece of American publishing history. Stored in a protective plastic sleeve. Cover shows strong color with no major creasing or tears — Fine to Very Fine for a 56-year-old magazine.
Issue #1 in Fine/VF condition is the rarest configuration in the entire Lampoon run. Most surviving copies from this period show significant wear. Comparable first issues in this condition sell in the $175–$300+ range at auction and in the collector market.
A document of the very beginning. One available — final sale.
- National Lampoon, Vol. 1, No. 1 — April 1970
- Theme: “Sexy Cover Issue”
- Original cover price: 75¢
- First issue ever published
- Condition: Fine / Very Fine — strong color, no major creasing or tears
- Stored in protective plastic sleeve
- Collector market: $175–$300+ for Issue #1 in this condition
- One available — final sale
Sold By
The Foundry
Downtown Pontiac, Michigan · Historic Riker Building
The Foundry is a curated creator marketplace, vintage mercantile, and media studio inside the historic Riker Building in downtown Pontiac. Every piece on this page was selected, documented, and listed by The Foundry team.
Visit The Foundry →Vendor profile is updated per product for third-party vendor items.
Getting It Home
Local Pickup
Free local pickup available at The Foundry, 35 W Huron St, Suite 101, Downtown Pontiac. Select Local Pickup at checkout. We'll confirm your pickup window by email.
Shipping
We ship across the United States. Rates calculated at checkout based on weight and destination. Vintage and fragile items are packed with care. Tracking provided on all orders.
Returns
Vintage, artifact, and one-of-one items are final sale. New and print-on-demand items may be eligible for return or exchange within 14 days.
View Full Policy →Condition
Honest assessment.
Condition is noted honestly. Minor wear consistent with age is expected and part of the character of vintage and found objects. Any significant flaws are described in the product notes above.
Active condition badge is set per product.
Specifications
The details.
Category
—
Dimensions
—
Materials
—
Era / Date
—
Maker / Brand
—
Origin
—
Condition
—
Specifications are added per product.
History & Provenance
Where it's been.
Provenance, previous ownership, era of origin, and any documentation or markings that help establish this piece's place in time.
History content is added per product.
The Story
Why this piece exists.
Every piece at The Foundry has a reason to be here. This is where we tell you what it is — the moment it was made, the hands that made it, and why it matters now.
Story content is added per product.