Antique China Questions About Antique Collectors Book

Posted in Antique Store on 07/20/2011 04:05 pm by Ling

Richard asks…

Are there any book collectors in here?

My brother inherited a huge collection of very old books when his 92 year old friend died. That's not all. He has rented a huge climate control storage unit to keep all her collectibles in. This is everything from the 100 crates of books, art work paintings, antique furniture, etc etc. He told me today that I could sell all of it for him and keep the money if I wanted to. I don't know how to go about getting these things appraised. Any suggestions?
I'm in the USA.

He told me there are books written by Abraham Lincoln's secretary about Abe. And some civil war books.

There are also some very old Grimms Fairy tale books, Some books made of cloth. Pre- Wizard of Oz books called "The Gnome of Oz", and another called "The Cowardly Lion of Oz" Other than these that he mentioned, I haven't had a chance to look through the 100 crates to see them so I don't know what all might be there.

Ling answers:

Go to a reputable auction house and they will send out a valuer. OK the auction house is the best bet, although you could list them on Ebay - have a look at their 'books- collectable' section.
To give you some idea the books you mentioned - ' The Gnome of Oz' (1927) has been offered on Ebay at $150 and 'The cowardly Lion of Oz' aught to be around $150 -$200 in good condition - so you have some good books there!

P.S. I am a collector-buyer but unfortunately I'm in the UK, otherwise I would have made you an offer on the whole.

Good luck !

Joseph asks…

Is there anyone here who collects rare & antique books?

I have a few rare first editions & a couple of limited editions books, legendary authors like Ian Fleming, Graham Greene, Maupasant, Hemingway, the list goes on. Since I have more than 1 book of some titles, I'd like to trade. But only with collectors like me....

Ling answers:

I have antique books by Thomas Costain, and one by Richard Matheson, and also one by Charles Reade. I can't trade them because they have sentimental value. But don't you love collecting antique books?

Lizzie asks…

Where could I find some antique publications of H.P. Lovecraft's work?

A friend's birthday is coming up soon, and, seeing as how she is a tremendous fan of the 'weird' writing style, I would like to see if I could get my hands on some old publications that carry his work. I have done some searches on the net, and even tapped a book collector that I have procured other antiques through, but Lovecraft is proving to be a touch difficult. Any help or suggestions as to where to find would be appreciated.

Ling answers:

Easy
http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?an=lovecraft&sts=t&x=42&y=11

Mary asks…

Where could I find pricing for an antique book?

The book is a 1905-1906 printing of Charles Dickens' "The Cricket On The Hearth", published by Henry Altemus Company in Philadelphia, as part of the Vademecum series, #37 (part of the later numbering). Dark green cover, with natursium panels, as shown on the publishers website: http://henryaltemus.com/series/images/S180_v232_1905.jpg

I'm looking for a website or mailing address that I could send photos to, in order to get a pricing to sell to a collector, or to donate to a museum as a tax write-off.

Ling answers:

Try bookfinders.org. You can't send a photo, but you can see what other copies are going for.

Helen asks…

Are there any collectors interested in antiques?

John Hare- watercolored painting-named The Green Valley, Robert Wood-PINE GROVE LAKE- oil painting-WW2 antique teapot escorted by Royal Navy-5 poster legged table-comic books-
antique vase from France, marble collection- anyone- contact me at livelygirlstilllivin @ yahoo.com.. Or do I have to sell them on E-bay for practically nothing...... Please answer collectors...